Buddies Coffee: How a Pro Skater and His Girlfriend Built Williamsburg’s Coolest Café

TLDR

When pro skater Taylor Nawrocki and car enthusiast Rachel Rose decided to swap wheels for coffee beans, no one in Williamsburg could have predicted what was coming next. In the midst of a global pandemic—when lockdowns kept everyone apart and the future felt uncertain—this dynamic duo took a leap of faith and launched Buddies Coffee. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a neighborhood favorite, bringing together quality brews, community, and street-style vibes that only Taylor and Rachel could pull off.

From humble beginnings, Buddies Coffee has become a thriving local hotspot, and this is the story of how their unique journey brought them success in the most unexpected way.

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From Skateboards and Cars to Coffee Beans

A Passion-Driven Leap of Faith

Taylor Nawrocki’s career as a professional skateboarder was already well-established when he and his girlfriend, Rachel Rose, decided to enter the coffee business in 2020. Rachel, who had spent her career in the car industry, brought a completely different set of skills to the table. Together, they built Buddies Coffee from the ground up, starting with just 15 pounds of beans per week.

Opening a coffee shop during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic seemed like a risk, but their combined passion for coffee and determination to create something meaningful kept them pushing forward. What began as a small operation quickly gained momentum, growing into a thriving business.

Bringing Skate Culture Into the Coffee Scene

Taylor’s roots in skateboarding didn’t get left behind when he traded in his board for a coffee cup. The shop itself is a reflection of Taylor’s world, featuring street-style decor that gives the space a raw, creative energy. The minimalist industrial design, murals, and a vibe reminiscent of a skate park make Buddies Coffee stand out in Williamsburg’s crowded coffee scene.

By blending skate culture with coffee culture, Taylor and Rachel created something more than just a coffee shop. It’s a reflection of who they are—authentic, laid-back, and community-focused. This unique vibe is a big part of what makes Buddies Coffee such a hit.

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From 15 Pounds to 200 Pounds: Brewing a Growing Success

Commitment to Quality Coffee and Unique Offerings

What started small has grown significantly, with Buddies Coffee now serving over 200 pounds of beans a week. This growth didn’t happen overnight. Taylor and Rachel’s commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and providing the best possible experience for their customers fueled their success. Their focus on quality over quantity is what has kept customers coming back.

Every cup of coffee served at Buddies Coffee is a reflection of the couple’s passion for the craft. From carefully selected beans to thoughtfully curated specialties, they offer drinks that stand out. Popular favorites like their signature Coquito Latte—a cozy, coconut-infused nod to the Puerto Rican holiday drink—and their refreshing Matcha Latte have become staples for regulars. These unique offerings keep customers excited and coming back for more.

Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

Opening any business during the pandemic was a challenge, and Buddies Coffee was no exception. With restrictions, health concerns, and a general sense of uncertainty, many questioned the wisdom of launching a new venture. But Taylor and Rachel’s perseverance paid off.

Their ability to adapt to the pandemic while staying true to their vision was crucial in their early success. The local community embraced their café, supporting them as they navigated the ups and downs of running a business during uncertain times. This resilience is at the core of Buddies Coffee's story.

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Building a Vibe: More Than Just a Coffee Shop

Creating a Space That Reflects Their Vision

The vibe at Buddies Coffee is unlike any other. The street-style decor—inspired by Taylor’s skateboarding background—creates a cool, laid-back atmosphere that feels like an extension of the couple’s personalities. This design isn’t just aesthetic; it’s an important part of what makes customers feel comfortable and welcome.

Everything from the decor to the seating layout invites people to stay, hang out, and make Buddies their go-to spot, whether they’re grabbing a quick coffee to go or spending the afternoon working on their laptop. The combination of creative energy and high-quality coffee has made Buddies Coffee a local favorite.

Fostering a Community Hub

Buddies Coffee isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a community hub that brings together Williamsburg locals from all walks of life. From skaters and artists to families and professionals, Buddies Coffee draws a diverse crowd that appreciates the café’s welcoming atmosphere and personal touch.

Taylor and Rachel’s commitment to creating a space that feels inclusive and connected has helped foster a loyal customer base. It’s not just the coffee that keeps people coming back—it’s the sense of belonging and the vibrant community that has grown around Buddies Coffee.

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Looking Ahead

A Path to Greater Growth

With their rapid growth, Buddies Coffee is already one of Williamsburg’s most beloved coffee spots. Their success has been driven by passion and authenticity, but as their popularity continues to rise, there’s room for even greater expansion. As more customers flock to their café, finding ways to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience will be key to scaling up.

How Per Diem Could Help Them Thrive

A custom mobile ordering app could help Buddies Coffee continue growing while providing seamless service to their expanding customer base. Using Square-integrated Per Diem app could cut down on wait times, making it easier and even engaging for customers to place orders on the go and reducing pressure on in-store operations.

With features like pre-ordering, loyalty programs, subscriptions, mobile payments, and many more, an app would allow the couple to engage with their customers in new, more efficient ways, while also keeping their focus on what they do best—creating an unbeatable coffee experience with an authentic, laid-back vibe.

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Final Thoughts

Buddies Coffee has become much more than just a local café. It’s a reflection of Taylor and Rachel’s passions, creativity, and perseverance. From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to creating a community hub in the heart of Williamsburg, their story is one of resilience and success.

As they continue to grow, Buddies Coffee’s journey is far from over. With the potential for even greater expansion and the support of tech tools, the coffee shop is set to keep bringing the same passion, quality, and authentic energy to Williamsburg scene for years to come.

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