Tim Flavin, Executive Director of Moji Coffee & More

On Saturday, June 22, I was able to squeeze my way into the crowd in front of the building that once housed Ember Audio to get a few shots of the ribbon cutting for the city’s newest coffee shop.

Unlike most of the other coffee shops in town, Moji Coffee &More is a special place. Moji Coffee & More is a nonprofit business that offers employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), according to its Facebook page. On that page and a sign on the window says it’s “coffee that gives everyone a voice.”

Senator Paul Lowe (D)

Moji will train folks who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance at employment in how to become a barista, or in this shop’s case, a “mojista.” It gives them an opportunity to see if they like working in a coffee shop and it also gives them skills that they can take to other coffee shops and seek employment.

Mayor Allen Joines

Moji will serve espresso and other coffee drinks as well as hot tea, frappes, smoothies, bottled cold beverages and more. There will be bagels from Bagel Station and locally made pastries. O’Brien’s Deli will supply cold grab-and-go sandwiches.

The ribbon cutting was presided over by Tim Flavin, a Special Olympics swim coach who serves as Moji Coffee & More’s Executive Director. Flavin said in his remarks that this was a big day not only for the city, not only for Trade Street but for the folks who had worked hard to get Moji up and going and who were enjoying their time working there.

Also at the ribbon cutting was NC Senator Paul Lowe and Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.

Moji Coffee & More, the Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Joines cut the bright red ribbon to open the facility.

The address for Moji Coffee & More is 690 N. Trade Street in Winston-Salem. Stop by and support this awesome company.