Urban Black Roasters, a coffee shop managed by a group of dynamic and ambitious entrepreneurs in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, has been making waves since its establishment in 2017. The partnership between Calano Supplier Solutions and local coffee roastery led to the birth of Urban Black, a Port Elizabeth-based coffee retail franchise with a mission to establish itself as a premier coffee youth owned franchise operation while championing transformation through BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment). In addition to their flagship coffee shop, Urban Black has recently introduced a mobile stall, fully owned by the enterprising quartet, with aspirations of nationwide franchise expansion.
Transforming Coffee Culture: During a conversation with Izibele Tokwana, one of the Store managers at Urban Black Roasters, we delved into the rich background behind their logo and the vision driving their coffee business. Their emblem pays homage to a pioneering Ethiopian goat herder who laid the foundation for the discovery coffee industry years ago, or so the story goes. Inspired by this legacy, Urban Black Roasters aims to extend their coffee offerings beyond traditional markets, particularly into niche corporate spaces, where they believe there is a great opportunity to educate and engage the youth and the wider community in the world of coffee.
We had a Q&A with Izibele about the team and this is what we heard - when did you three begin managing the store and how has the experience been so far? “We embarked on our journey as store managers nearly a year ago. It has been an incredible and enlightening experience, albeit quite challenging, considering our lack of prior store management experience. The learning process has been ongoing and worthwhile. Successfully managing a store requires courage, determination, and considerable effort as individuals coming together as a team. Despite our different personalities and mindsets, we are all driven by a common goal—to ensure the business thrives.
And how has managing the store impacted you positively and as a cohesive team? “Managing the store has had a positive impact on us individually and as a team. It has taught us to trust ourselves as individuals and have confidence in our abilities to provide constructive feedback to one another. Constructive criticism played a pivotal role in our development, fostering an environment where we can rectify each other's actions positively, without causing offense. We live by the motto "Straight talk breaks no friendships," enabling us to correct each other without taking things personally”.
“One of the most challenging lessons we've learned as a team is the ability to set aside our individual preferences and differences for the greater good of the business. Stepping out of our comfort zones has revealed our hidden capabilities, as we strive to make things work, not just for ourselves but also for the success of the business”.
Creating a Coffee Culture in youth entrepreneurship in Townships: Izibele Tokwana expressed the team's enthusiasm for bringing coffee culture to townships, where they see a need for increased knowledge and appreciation of this beloved beverage. Urban Black Roasters aims to foster an environment in which coffee gatherings become commonplace and are embraced as a part of everyday life. By expanding their reach to these communities, Urban Black Roasters seeks to empower individuals through economic opportunities, promote economic growth, and create spaces where coffee can become a catalyst for social interaction, personal growth, and community development.
A Mobile Solution for Wider Impact: In their quest to reach a broader audience, Urban Black Roasters has introduced a mobile stall that travels to various events around the city. This initiative, fully owned by the three visionary entrepreneurs, serves as a steppingstone towards their long-term goal of franchising these mobile units nationwide. By taking their coffee directly to the people, Urban Black Roasters aims to break down barriers and bring the aromatic experience of their exceptional coffee to diverse settings, enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusivity.
Back to the team, what do you enjoy about working as a team? “Working as a team goes beyond mere collaboration; we have cultivated a bond that transcends the workplace, making us more than just colleagues—we are a family. Each day, we wake up eager to go to work, knowing that we will share laughter and learn valuable lessons together. Patience, understanding, motivation, and a shared hunger for success drive us forward. Even on challenging days, we hold ourselves accountable, correct each other without hierarchy, and prioritize the needs of the business. Through it all, our love for coffee and our customers acts as the joy and glue that unites us as a collective”.
How have you persevered during tough times with low sales and low energy? “During difficult times, we have embraced a survival mindset, drawing upon our individual strengths and resilience. Coming together as a cohesive unit has been an incredible experience, enabling us to trust and rely on one another despite being accustomed to self-reliance. This unity has provided the strength we needed to overcome obstacles while bolstering our mental and emotional well-being for the responsibilities we carry. Our hunger for success, acknowledging how far we have come, daily encouragement from our mentor and customers, and reflecting on our backgrounds all fuel our determination during challenging periods. We remind ourselves that both the good and bad days are transient, and our passion for what we do keeps us pushing forward, no matter the circumstances”.
What message would you give to the public about the importance of taking coffee breaks and their advantages, whenever time allows? “What we could say is, whenever time allows, we encourage everyone to take coffee breaks. In a world where people face numerous challenges, a simple smile and a good conversation can make a profound impact. While our customers appreciate our coffee, many also come for the experience and the positive vibe they receive from us. There's nothing quite like a cup of coffee infused with a touch of personality, fostering connection and rejuvenation. So, take a moment to savor a coffee break—it can truly make a difference”.
Urban Black Roasters is not just another coffee retail operation—it is a transformative force in the coffee industry and a catalyst for change in communities. With their passionate team of entrepreneurs, they are solidifying their presence as a world-class coffee retail franchise operation while championing the goals of BBBEE. Through their mobile stall and ambitious plans for national franchising, Urban Black Roasters is democratizing the coffee experience, ensuring that people from all walks of life can savor the finest brews and immerse themselves in a culture that celebrates the joy of coffee.