BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — This Tompkins Avenue bar is about to start serving coffee for the early risers in the neighborhood.
A pop-up coffee shop is slated to open at Bed-Vyne Brew starting Oct. 1, according to its owners.
Subaltern Coffee Co., a “social good” coffee provider and organization started by two local residents, will serve up espresso, blends and pastries each morning at the popular watering hole.
“One of the things we’re really big on is utilizing spaces that are currently existing and capitalizing on how people want to reinterpret those spaces for use,” said Subaltern co-founder David Krebs.
Between 7 a.m. and noon, Bed-Vyne Brew at 370 Tompkins Ave. will function as a café and re-open in the late afternoon as a craft beer bar.
Krebs and co-founder John Sumpter created the coffee company as a way to provide a gathering spot for the community as well as to give back to their neighborhood, they said.
A percentage of Subaltern’s profits will go toward local development projects and groups such as the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Audre Lorde Project and the Pamoja House homeless shelter, they added.
“One of the biggest things for us is that we’re really focused on the community aspect of it,” Sumpter said. “To sell good coffee and at the same time do good.
“I think a lot of people are so used to just getting coffee and not really thinking about what they’re consuming. We’re going to be pushing what happens in between growing coffee and consuming, and how people outside of us are affected.”
The duo is looking to host educational events to raise awareness on the origins and processes of the products, as well as provide opportunity for community meet-ups, they said.
Patrons can stop by for Subaltern’s specialized blends as well as cookies and pastries from Saraghina’s bakery.
The company, which specializes in African coffee, teamed with Brooklyn roaster Porto Rico for its products. In addition to the new pop-up, the blends can be picked up online and at Bed-Stuy Fresh and Local.
A caffeinated venture was already on Bed-Vyne's radar, owner Rotimi Akinnuoye said, which made Subaltern a perfect fit.
He and his business partners also operate a cocktail bar and wine shop in the neighborhood and host pop-ups with local chefs and businesses.
“We love the idea of giving back to the community and that [Subaltern] give a percentage of their profits to the neighborhood,” Akinnuoye said. “People have been asking for great coffee in Bed-Stuy. We’re excited about it.”
Subaltern Coffee Co. will be open at Bed-Vyne Brew, 370 Tompkins Ave., Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting Oct. 1.
