New KC coffee shop opens with a coastal style and help for foster youth
When stepping into a new Kansas City coffee shop in the Marlborough Heights neighborhood, one might feel like they’ve ventured to the West Coast.
Two garage doors connect the shop to its spacious patio on sunny days. The sand-colored walls, cacti, concrete floors and mosaic tables scream California.
It makes sense — owner Justin Roberts is from there.
His new spot, Neighbors Coffee + Hospitality, quietly opened Sunday at 8135 The Paseo, serving espresso drinks from their own roasted coffee, matcha, specialty toast, breakfast burritos, oatmeal and more.
Though the shop’s grand opening isn’t until Sept. 20, it’s been an encouraging few weeks in the soft launch phase. So far, they’ve had plenty of positive feedback from customers.
“They’ve been really receptive. People I’ve known have come in, brand-new people,” he said. “We didn’t tell people — we just opened.”
And while customers might be taken with the sights, smells and tastes of Neighbors Coffee, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The business is part nonprofit, part coffee company. Justin and his wife, Sam Roberts, created the space to help children who age out of foster care. One of their children is adopted from foster care.
Starting next week, the couple will begin the hiring process to employ a few former foster children. The space will host classes regarding financial literacy, college prep and more to train mentees to be successful adults.
Each year, 25,000 to 30,000 children age out of foster care, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2013. Close to half of the young adults who participated in the study had been homeless at least once before the age of 26.
Neighbors will partner with foster care services and churches to find youth in need of its programs. Donations can be made through its website, neighborskc.coffee.
The shop has a few more treats for the neighborhood: Neighbors receive a 15% discount, and alternative milks are available at no extra cost.
“We have tummy issues in our family, so why would we charge extra?” Sam said.
The shop is also partnering with Center School District’s alternative school and offering student volunteer opportunities on Mondays.
A light blue mural on the outside of the shop encourages customers to “stay a while.” So far, they have, the couple says. It’s been a busy week — with more fun to come.
“The neighborhood loves it,” Justin said.