After getting its start as a coffee cart, Social Coffee & Supply Co. opened a second location on Oriole Drive in Wilmington last week.

Shop owner Giovanni Ellzey has come a long way since he first starting selling coffee back in January of 2018.

“Throughout college at UNCW, I would go to all the different coffee shops in town and what I loved most about them was the community aspects they brought,” Ellzey said.

He soon found getting into coffee wasn’t easy. Ellzey said he had lots to learn in those early years, but he discovered he likes to learn about the science of coffee and the processes behind making it.  

In the beginning, Ellzey said Social Coffee & Supply’s coffee was sourced from a roaster in Texas. For the past year and a half, the coffee has been roasted in Wilmington.

Social Coffee & Supply Co.’s coffee is considered specialty because of its smaller batches and Ellzey prefers it like that.

Opening a second location last month, Ellzey said it is a special time for his team as this new location, just like the original located on Wrightsville Avenue, is in a former residential home.

“We feel that the old homes bring a comfort level that allows people to feel more at home and relaxed.  Ellzey said current plans for the new space are to renovate the garage area and have additional seating for diners.

He adds that there are also plans in the work for trivia nights to come to the new location on Oriole Drive. 

While Social Coffee has been popular amongst UNCW students, Ellzey expects the new location to attract tourists as well as nearby residents.

“Yes, we are just 1 mile from campus, but we do feel that people in the neighborhood as well as coffee drinkers who want something special will stop in," he said. 

The coffee shop owner said that there are several items his shop offers that are favorites on the menu but the seasonal nature of it will always keep things fresh to entice customers to return.

A psychology major while at UNCW, Ellzey said that what started as a coffee cart outside of local breweries and festivals has grown into something much more. He said he loves the branding and design of his business as well as the partnerships of local non-profits that represent social issues.

“We are excited about opening our second location," he said. "It’s a unique property and we hope everyone will come out and see us.”

For more visit socialcoffeesupply.com