Queer-owned coffee truck focused on inclusivity sets sights on 2021 opening
For so many, a neighborhood coffee shop is a safe haven from the stressors and distractions of the world: a quiet place to focus on work, or a place to lose focus completely with a relaxing latte.
Billed as “Ohio’s first queer-owned coffee truck for everyone,” the Galaxy Coffee, which hopes to open its first coffee truck this fall (with plans for an eventual brick and mortar storefront as well), is hoping to extend those feelings of comfort to Columbus the LGBTQ+ community.
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Because for co-owners Jevonna Morris and Kels Wilson, coffee shops and trucks have always been spaces of positivity. Not only did Morris first meet her wife at a local cafe, it seems that no matter where their professional lives take them, the two always seemed to return to barista work.
“I graduated a few years ago from OSU with an accounting degree. During my senior year of business school I decided I wanted to transition, and I didn’t want to be the only trans person in an accounting firm,” Wilson said. “So I sat back and reflected, and my favorite I’d had so far was always in a coffee shop.”
According to Morris, who similarly left an office job to return to barista work, the Galaxy hopes to capture for the local LGBTQ+ community the same sort of comfort and inclusivity they value in their own favorite cafes.
“We love gay bars, and wanted to capture that inclusivity, but with another sort of vibe,” she said. “We think a coffee shop or truck can be for all ages, races, whatever; a place where younger members of the queer community can meet each other and people of all ages.”
And while an inviting atmosphere will be front and center at the Galaxy, that doesn’t mean the coffee won’t be a point of focus as well. Morris and Wilson plan to offer a full spread of espresso drinks, in addition to “the fun stuff” like mocha milkshakes and frozen lemonade. They even plan to serve food items including baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and omelette bites.
You can expect to see their progressive perspectives inform other areas of the Galaxy as well. The business will be run as a worker co-operative, splitting profits among all employees. And while they’ll offer gluten-free, sugar-free, and non-dairy versions of their products, don’t expect to be charged extra for it.
“We’re excited, and we just think Columbus is ready for this,” Morris said.
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