In the heart of the neighborhood, The Avenue Coffeehouse isn’t just serving coffee — it’s brewing community. This Black-owned spot has quickly become a local favorite, where every cup comes with a side of connection and culture.
At the helm of the business is founder and owner Eric LeSure, whose mission for The Avenue Coffeehouse is simple: to create an inclusive space for community that pays homage to the history of Indiana Avenue and Black culture.
LeSure’s coffeehouse is the first Black-owned specialty coffeehouse in Indianapolis. His goal is to become a leader in the specialty coffee movement while uplifting Black culture.
Namely, LeSure wants to “breathe Black life back into the Indiana Avenue Historic District,” according to the official website.
Indiana Avenue was the epicenter of Black culture in Indianapolis from the 1860s to the 1970s. To renew the area to what it once was to Black Hoosiers, LeSure established The Avenue Foundation, dedicated to building racial and economic equity.
LeSure’s overall goal for the coffeehouse is to have a brick-and-mortar location on Indiana Avenue, where they will serve up their specialty drinks like the Madam Waker — made of espresso, caramel and chocolate sauce, pecan syrup and milk — or The Hampton Sisters — espresso, cookie butter, vanilla syrup and milk.
The coffeehouse also offers breakfast and lunch options like Jazzy Toast, their take on avocado toast, and classics like the BLT.
Focusing on “commUNITY,” the Avenue’ is dedicated to empowering and uplifting other Black entrepreneurs, like the ones that once lined both sides of Indiana Avenue.
Visit this minority-owned business at 6283 N. College Ave. or browse their online menu at theavenuecoffee.com.
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