Narrative Coffee Co., a beloved mobile coffee brand born in the Bull City, is finally putting down roots in its hometown with a brick-and-mortar location set to open this summer in downtown Durham’s Innovation District. After building a devout following through its mobile trailer and coffee carts, owner Rod Lawson — a Durham native turned entrepreneur — is coming full circle, bringing his dream to life in the rapidly growing city he once left. “It just made sense for me to come back to where I grew up and bring my business here,” Lawson said. The new 1,500-square-foot shop will serve up its signature lattes, espresso drinks, and creative coffee blends alongside tenants like Google, Virge Yoga, and Flying Bull Beer Company. Lawson's story is steeped in hustle, heart, and — fittingly — a delayed flight that sparked a love for coffee. With plans for expansion already simmering, Narrative is a name you’ll be hearing — and sipping — more from soon.

Key Points:

• Narrative Coffee Co. will open its first permanent coffee shop this summer at 300 Morris St. in the Durham Innovation District (Durham.ID).
• The location previously housed 321 Coffee, another local brand that shifted focus away from downtown last year.
• Owner Rod Lawson, originally from Durham, was inspired to enter the coffee business after reading a book during an airport delay: “Something clicked," he said.
• Narrative has operated through a successful mobile setup including a trailer and two pop-up carts, generating $250,000 in revenue in 2023.
• The new storefront is 1,500 square feet with a monthly rent of about $2,000; Lawson signed a 3-year lease and will hire seven staff members.
• Popular menu items include:
  • Saturday Morning Latte: espresso, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk ($6.35)
  • Cookie Butter Oat Latte: Speculoos cookies, dulce de leche, oat milk, and espresso ($6.50)
• Other new tenants in Durham.ID include Virge Yoga, Flying Bull Beer Company, and Morris Green Park.
• Lawson’s long-term vision: expand to Raleigh and beyond, saying: “If there’s a need for it, I would like to be there honestly.”
• The Triangle area is buzzing with coffee growth — with Haraz Coffee House expanding and Dutch Bros Coffee prepping a new spot in Morrisville.

Accuracy check:

• All business details, quotes, and figures reported align with official Triangle Business Journal reporting.
• Durham.ID is a real mixed-use innovation campus, heavily leased and home to notable tenants such as Google and Life Edit.
• 321 Coffee’s exit and Dutch Bros' regional expansion have also been independently confirmed.

Stay tuned, coffee lovers — Durham’s brew scene is heating up!
Link to Article