A Space for Caffeine-Craving Creative {Dear Diary Coffeehouse}
Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Eric Morales
Sitting by the spacious window with the aroma of coffee in the air and a warm mug in hand, it’s easy to forget this cozy space nestled into Chicon Street isn’t a loved one’s living room.
A glance around the shop, whose walls are lined with eclectic, vibrant art by locals, invokes the desire to create. One shelf is lined with a selection of journals and art supplies, inviting visitors to post up at a table and make something of their own design.
This all-vegan coffeehouse has its origins in two separate, but compatible, ideas. Co-owner Joshua Adrian wanted to create a cafe featuring a communal diary collection, whereas co-owner Litsa was carrying around the dream of an art studio fueled by caffeine. What Dear Diary is today lives somewhere in between those two spaces, not only honoring both visions but also including new ideas born from the circumstances of the Covid-era.
Dear Diary was designed for, and by, creatives. Joshua and Litsa took on the formidable task of opening their doors to the Chestnut neighborhood just as the pandemic hit. In spite of the logistical roadblocks this caused for their burgeoning business, the pair adapted quickly and are ultimately grateful for the innovative ideas that sprang forth from a difficult situation. “We had to get so creative when it came to generating revenue for ourselves. So what we ended up doing not only [generated revenue] but also helped us participate in that initial vision.” Litsa elaborates, “We collaborated with lots of local artists!” That’s where all the art- lined walls were born, and it’s hard to imagine the space without this element. And while the larger idea of a shared community diary has been set aside for the time, there are several little journals filled with personal notes and sketches scattered around for patrons to flip through (or fill in) as they sip.
Another special thing that came about due to supply chain issues was close partnerships with local restaurants and food vendors. In the beginning, Dear Diary partnered with just two vendors, creating a mutually beneficial support system in an uncertain time. Litsa says, “Because of these tight relationships, I think everyone [became] hyper aware of the interdependency of small businesses.”
The pair look forward to what next year holds, curious to see what it will be like to have their doors open with tourists coming and going. “We only know what it’s like to be a neighborhood coffee shop for people who live within a half mile…. we know our neighbors, we know their drinks. We have a menu that is all of our regulars and their drinks.” Litsa grins, “So we just press the button, and there’s The Jeremiah.”
Did You Know?
Dear Diary’s event lineup offers plenty of choices. From weekly writer meet-ups to musical theater-themed nights, there’s a variety of activities to bring people together which serves the vision of this neighborly and creative coffee shop so well.
Contact:
1212 Chicon St. #103
deardiarycoffeehouse.com
@deardiary_coffeehouse
