There’s a new coffee shop in town and we’re excited to see it. The former space belonged to EastSide Local, a hip place in the Eastway Crossing Shopping Center that served vegan and vegetarian food. After four years, owners Gina Stewart and Brenda Gambill decided to close the doors for good, leaving a lot of locals yearning for a new hip spot to take its place.
Now, a cozy little coffee shop has made the former space its new home. Loto Cafe, owned by couple Leo and Kellie Sollis, who are originally from San Bernardino in California. The new coffee shops collaborates with local Latino-owned small businesses, like Manolo’s Bakery for empanadas, desserts from Dulce Dreams Cafe, and dog-friendly treats by Treats by Marisol.
Their coffee beans come from Proud Mary USA which has 2 locations in Portland and Austin. They’re also composting with Crown Town Compost in Charlotte who is dedicated to helping alleviate food waste for “over 800 Charlotte homes and restaurants.”
Their soft opening was Saturday 4th with an outstanding reception. Empanadas were sold out and the cafe con leche was flowing, and we’re excited to see their simplistic menu lead the way for exciting new menu items and coffee drinks. Head over to 3102 Eastway Dr to try it.