LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new Black-owned coffee shop in west Louisville is encouraging coffee, culture and business.

Blak Koffee is where coffee, culture and business meet. Ronyale Smith and Johnetta Roberts are Blak Koffee’s co-owners. 

“Welcome to the Russell neighborhood! We’re just trying to have a space west of 9th Street that is equivalent to what’s on Shelbyville Road,” said Smith.

During the pandemic, Smith planned her exit strategy out of her job at the University of Louisville. She wanted to make a greater impact on the west end after seeing the social unrest of 2020.

“It was important that we have this place here so that people can come together and network. This includes decision makers and the ones creating businesses and opportunities,” said Smith.

The Louisville native had never worked in the coffee business before this, but with the help of her mentors, Metro United Way and FundBLACKFounders she made it possible. Opening just three months ago in April 2023.

According to the Louisville Metro Government’s recent data, Black residents make up 23% of Louisville and only 2% of businesses. Smith’s team serves up coffee—that pays homage to where it originated. And it’s made in Louisville by a local roaster.

“We have our own retail coffee. And it’s a good coffee, it has bergamot tones. It’s non-acidic cupping notes. It’s really fruity with blueberry,” said Smith. 

Seeing so many people frequenting her business—whether it’s coffee or breakfast food lets Smith know she’s doing the right thing.

“Coffee shops bring people together. It’s an important piece of revitalization in an area,” said Smith.

Smith says the demand is there, and she hopes to extend hours of operation to Saturday’s in the future. 

Blak Koffee’s regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’re one of 15 local businesses in which FundBLACKFounders provided up to $25,000 of matching crowdfunding grant support.