Center Street Coffee expands with new location, new offerings, and a kosher menu
by Hanalei Potempa | Contributing Writer
Popular local coffee shop, Center Street Coffee, has found a new home—and it’s bigger, better, and bolder than ever. The shop recently moved into a larger space and now offers a fully kosher, vegetarian menu, making it the only kosher coffee shop in the Carolinas.
Established in 2016, Center Street Coffee has long been a staple for Folly Beach locals and visitors alike, known for its artisanal, locally roasted coffee and fresh baked goods. Opened by Roy Bakalo and his wife, Inga, the cafe actually originally operated out of the Dolce Banana yogurt shop. It didn’t take long, however, for their offerings to outgrow the original space. And it’s time yet again to move into a bigger and better location.
With increasing demand for more space and food options, the couple seized an opportunity to expand into a larger location, which they’ve been operating from since May. The new space not only accommodates their growing customer base but also includes a cozy outdoor patio perfect for events and live music.
One of the most exciting changes is the introduction of a fully kosher, vegetarian menu—with every item made in-house.
“Everything we sell now is actually baked in house,” Bakalo says. “Everything is baked fresh daily.”
Though adopting a kosher menu meant sacrificing some profitability, Roy says the decision was guided by values, not margins.
“Even though it’s less profitable, it’s not all about the profit,” Bakalo says. “We believe it is more of an elevated and spiritual way of preparing the food. It’s very meaningful for us — and too many others.”
That mission extends to the menu’s unique offerings. One standout item is the cheese and potato Bourekas, a savory Middle Eastern puff pastry rarely found elsewhere in the region.
In addition to pastries and coffee, the new location now serves wine, beer, and frozen mimosas — ideal for sipping while enjoying the expanded patio.
The shop is also filled with charm and personality, thanks to Inga Bakalo’s handmade art and décor, created from treasures collected on nearby Folly Beach—driftwood, seashells, stones, and more. These one-of-a-kind pieces are available for purchase, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the Chabad of Charleston.
With its expanded space, meaningful mission, and community-driven focus, Center Street Coffee continues to serve more than just great coffee—it offers a place where heart, tradition, and creativity come together.
Center Street Coffee’s new location at 103 E Cooper Ave. is just off Center Street, around the corner from their original location. For more information, call (843) 580-7801 or visit www.centerstreetcoffee.com.
