Shahidah and Dez opened R&Beans on August 17, 2024.

They used to spend weekends in cafes, planning. In 2020 a home purchase fell through, so the savings went into a shop instead. They built it out themselves, permit setbacks and all.

Since opening, the calendar has filled up: pop-ups, live sets, a block party for the second anniversary.

Every cup goes out with a good word written on it. Coffee, records, and that.