Sorena Dadgar
Jubala Coffee opened late last week within Aloft Hotel on Hillsborough St. This location was an expansion from their original cafe in North Raleigh's Lafayette Village. Jubala maintained their menu of Counter Culture Coffee beverages as well as biscuits, waffles, and lunch sandwiches.
Jubala Coffee opened the doors of its Hillsborough Street location Feb. 12, offering students yet another option for somewhere to work, relax or grab a “cup of joe.”
Jordan Wells, co-manager of Jubala Coffee, described Jubala’s vibe as “quality-focused and intentional.”
“The space is designed to be extremely transparent and approachable so that one can see the craft that goes into making specialty coffee,” Wells said.
Jubala offers an extensive selection of craft coffee drinks and a menu with affordable breakfast and lunch food items, including specialty biscuits, waffles and sandwiches.
Coffee drinks range anywhere from $3 to $5. Typical biscuit sandwiches are priced around $3, and sandwiches with a side average around $7.
The store is designed with two espresso machines, designated for either “take” or “stay” orders. Wells said the two-machine concept was designed to best serve students and professionals who may not have the time to deal with the long lines of coffee shops.
And, according to Wells, the store’s concept has been well received.
“Business has been great. We are growing every day and seeing a lot of new and returning faces,” Wells said. “There are already a few established regulars, which is awesome considering we have been open for one week.”
The name Jubala comes from a Kenyan harvest festival, according to Wells. Andrew Cash, the owner of Jubala, spent time in Kenya exploring coffee farms and learning the economy of specialty coffee.
Cash was inspired by the unity of the Kenyan community as they came together for their “Jubala,” or day of celebration, after a successful crop of coffee.
Wells said the shop differentiates itself from others on Hillsborough Street because of its commitment to craft coffee and efficiency “with the equipment and staff that allows us to do it a lot faster without compromising quality or customer service.”
“We are also aware that we are the new kids on the block, so to speak, but we want to be a part of the progression and evolution of the Hillsborough Street community,” Wells said. “We aren’t moving in to capitalize or exploit; we are here to help redefine the greatness that Hillsborough Street has and will be.”
When asked if he would consider trying a new coffee shop on Hillsborough Street, Ali Alzahrani, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, said he would consider it if it had something new to offer.
“I like to try new places,” Alzahrani said. “I get bored too quickly at old coffee shops. I spend over three hours at coffee shops every week, and it is nice to know that I can spend my time in a new place, try new flavors of coffee and get to know new people.”