The Village Cafe owners Kevon King, left, Ryan Williams and Mahammad Mangum. Photo credit: The Village Cafe.
From a press release:
“The Union Market District continues its commitment to nurturing burgeoning local businesses with the arrival of The Village Cafe (1272 5th Street NE), slated for a soft opening on October 9, followed by a grand opening on October 23.
When founders and Washington natives Kevon King, Mahammad Mangum and Ryan Williams met as kids, they bonded at Woodrow Wilson High School, where they pursued their passions in the business, creative and culinary fields, respectively.
Recognizing that cafés are the ultimate social gathering place, the trio embarked upon opening their own establishment that would not only bring quality food and drink to underserved communities, but that would also uplift the “village” that make those communities tick.
“Throughout history, coffee has been a commodity that people have clamored for because it brings them together, and fosters both conversation and community,” King says. “We have people’s days in the palm of our hands by potentially giving them a great day over a great cup of coffee.”
“The Union Market District has always been about supporting entrepreneurs and creating economic opportunity for local emerging businesses,” says Jodie McLean, CEO of EDENS. “They are a great addition to the community and we are proud to have them here.”
“It is with a great sense of pride that I welcome The Village Cafe to Ward 5 and the Union Market area, which continues to grow more vibrant every day,” says D.C. city councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, employing District residents and keeping dollars circulating within our communities. I congratulate my fellow Wilson High School alums, Kevon, Mahammad and Ryan on their new venture and look forward to the many cups of coffee I will be enjoying at The Village Cafe for years to come.”
“One the reasons Wacif invested in Kevon, Mahammad, and Ryan is that we share their commitment to creating social and economic opportunity through entrepreneurship,” said Wacif Executive Director Harold Pettigrew. “We think the Village Cafe is going to be a commercial and community success, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.”
King, Mangum and Williams envision The Village Cafe as more than just a business. The Cafe will create social and economic opportunities through food, entrepreneurship and creative innovation with local entrepreneurs, artists, makers and businesses, including Southeastern Roastery, The Village Cafe’s official coffee partner. In addition to the local roast, The Village Cafe will also serve sandwiches, pastries and eventually, handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer.
In keeping with the spirit of uplifting their “village” and developing a new one with partners near and within Union Market, the founders’ plans for future programming at the Cafe include:
Sign language classes with Gallaudet University
“Village Talks,” including healthy eating panel discussions
Children’s story time with Politics and Prose
Career skills workshops + “coffee culture” training
Partner highlight podcast
Wilson High School alumni panel
The Village Cafe will be open Sunday and Monday, 8am-6pm and Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-8pm.”