Higher Grounds by Manolo’s, a new cafe focusing on outreach and serving the community, is preparing to debut in Myers Park at 1501 Queens Road.
The new concept is the result of a partnership between Manolo Betancur of Manolo’s Bakery and 99-year-old Myers Park United Methodist Church, who will open the new nonprofit coffee shop in the church’s new Center of Hope building, according to CharlotteFive. Higher Grounds by Manolo’s will serve nonprofit Colombian coffee, delicious pastries, artisan gelato, and grab-and-go food. The new cafe is expected to open in May 2024.
Betancur is no stranger to opening new concepts in the area, including his namesake bakery, as well as Artisan Vegelato and Tita’s Cakehouse. On top of being a restaurateur for the greater Charlotte area, the businessman is also a local leader for mission-centered social justice initiatives, specifically human rights issues facing immigrant, farm worker, and Latino communities. Following a baker-meets-church friendship at Manolo’s Bakery in December 2018, Betancur and the Myers Park United Methodist Church became closely united and worked together on several ventures that give back to communities.
Now Betancur and the Myers Park United Methodist Church, specifically missions program director Britt Yett, are joining forces once again to open Higher Grounds by Manolo’s. Customers can expect high ceilings and a sprawling white-tile coffee bar that can seat 70 people. On top of a variety of “traditional” American treats, including muffins, brownies, and fresh-baked waffle cones, there will be a Simonelli espresso machine, which Betancur tells the CharlotteFive is “the Ferrari of espresso machines.” The coffee used for the cafe will be fair-trade and come directly from Colombia, and the grab-and-go sandwiches will be made by church chef Adam Reaves.
In keeping with giving back, Higher Grounds by Manolo’s will donate 100% of its profits to the community. There will also be a “buy one, pay for one” board in the cafe, encouraging guests to enjoy a pay-it-forward practice. At first, Betancur’s team from Manolo’s Bakery will open Higher Grounds, but the cafe will eventually partner with workforce development programs to recruit employees who’ve experienced employment barriers.
