Black Crow is back, baby! Black Crow Coffee Co’s shops, one in Old Northeast and the other in Grand Central, are both in full swing. Indoor seating has reopened, and art and music events are making a triumphant return. “One thing I realized when we were closed is we are so much more than just a cup of coffee,” says Deana Hawk, who owns Black Crow with her partner, Greg Bauman. Black Crow has a cozy, casual, cool ambiance and a strong sense of community that begets years of passion, care, and commitment.
Space to be yourself
“Everything starts from within,” says Deana. “Creating a space for people to be unique and be themselves is important. That’s how the space became what it is. That is how we live life, giving back in many ways. It’s a safe space for people…and the comfy chairs make you want to stay.”
Before Black Crow, Deana worked in hair and makeup. She was on a shoot, driving around with a model and photographer, when she saw the lease sign on the building that is now their Old Northeast shop. “I ran home and told my partner Greg (who owns Indian Shores coffee) that I found the perfect place for a new coffee shop.” Seven years later, the shop and its second location in Grand Central are as strong as ever.
Of the great Black Crow ambiance, Deana says, “Being from Toronto and Seattle, Greg and I both grew up with unique, comfortable coffee shops. I don’t know how to do a black & white space, it doesn’t resonate. When we did the decor, half the stuff came from our house. Organically that foundation set the tone for both of our shops. The rest developed with the creative freedom we gave to our staff and customers.”
All about community
“We are 30-year veterans of St. Pete.” she continues, “I have seen the city in many different shades, from darkest dark to lightest light. I loved it here for a long time before we opened the shop. St. Pete has always had a very raw, emerging artistic energy, and our coffee shop embraces that. We love where we are, who we are, and we love our community. We offer a safe space for people to be themselves.”
“Going into Covid, the wheels of our businesses were just burning rubber. Then when it hit, I had time to reflect and realized that we don’t always need to go a million miles an hour. We have changed, adapted, and we are stronger for it. We want to express overwhelming gratitude to our community and city leaders for their support.”
Bring on the events!
While things are getting back to normal at Black Crow, they are still serving everything in to-go cups and are keeping their extra sanitary measures in place. Importantly, their monthly events are BACK! Their Art Night is the first Saturday of every month, and features live music. Open Mic nights take place every fourth Saturday.
Swing by Black Crow to meet friends, work on your computer, or participate in community events. What to order? Jet fuel is a customer fave, and Deana’s favorite drink is an iced cortado with honey, equal parts oat milk and espresso. She also highly recommends their cookies and vegan banana muffins, all of which are made in-house.
Whether you choose the Old Northeast or Grand Central location, an inviting atmosphere, great community, and killer coffee await you. After a visit, Black Crow will undoubtedly become your go-to.
For more info, visit www.blackcrowcoffeeco.com, and follow ‘em on social media to stay up-to-date. Black Crow Coffee Co Old Northeast is located at 722 2nd St. N, and their Grand Central location can be found at 2157 1st Ave S.
