Persimmon Coffee Opens Its First Brick-and-Mortar in Fishtown | Eater Philly

"Launched in December 2020 by Kai Talim, Sawyer Beckley, and Chaereen Pak as a monthly single-coffee release and a subscription called Friday Coffee Club, the business grew from pandemic-era small-batch roasts and pop-ups into a brick-and-mortar set to open in July 2022 at 11 W. Girard Avenue in Fishtown, next door to Weckerly’s Ice Cream. I watched the trio—who met while working at Function Coffee Labs—use pop-ups to meet customers, refine service, and build partnerships; Talim manages operations and finance, Pak leads creative and design, and Beckley, the director of coffee, sources and roasts the beans that allow them to offer “absolutely delicious” coffees. The 350-square-foot shop, designed by Pak with custom woodwork by Leeward Furniture, emphasizes natural light and minimal materials inspired by cafés in Seoul and Tokyo. The menu stays straightforward with espresso-based drinks, drip, a seasonal signature (the Cloud Dancer made with espresso, tonic water, ginger beer, blueberry preserves, heavy cream, and a sprig of mint over ice), a limited tea selection, and baked goods from Sofiane Bellal of Bloomsday Cafe; Persimmon also plans ongoing collaborations with local makers and shops to keep the space warm, welcoming, and community-minded." - Stephanie Loo