Archive, a coffee shop celebrating Black culture, now open in west Charlotte

Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

By Ashley Mahoney | August 31, 2022

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Cheryse Terry didn’t just open a coffee shop; she opened what she calls a “culture shop.”

What’s happening: The Charlotte native’s coffee and retail shop, Archive, opened on Aug. 27, in west Charlotte. Her goal: To archive Black culture in Charlotte.

Context: Terry had an online store for years before deciding to open a brick-and-mortar space.

Why it matters: West Charlotte is changing, and as development sweeps through the corridor, longtime residents are concerned about commercial and residential gentrification. However, Archive is a Black-owned business by a Charlotte native in a Black-owned development by a Charlotte-based developer.

Details: Expect vintage JET and EBONY magazines, a special menu curated by mixologist Justin Hazelton, Enderly Coffee Co., tea, pastries and plenty of plants.

The space also includes a mural by The Rollup CLT, a local artist residency program, and artist Sade Black. It features people like artist Romare Bearden, Prince, Gordon Parks and other influential Black leaders and creatives.

What they’re saying: “It was all the people I feel like were my inspiration for Black culture and for me making Archive a thing,” Terry told Axios. “It’s a whole generational wall of Black people who have not only influenced me, but [also] my peers.”

Location: 2023 Beatties Ford Road

Hours: Terry says she will let her customers decide what her hours will be based on demand, but for now Archive’s hours are Monday through Friday 7am until 6pm and Saturday 9am until 4pm.

Zoom out: Developer Christopher Dennis’ E-Fix Development Corp owns two properties at the corner of Beatties Ford Road and LaSalle Street. The latter is under construction, while the former’s current tenants include Chase bank and Archive.