How Claire Chan Built The Elk Into One of NYC’s Favorite Cafés

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TLDR

In a city with coffee shops in almost every street, The Elk stands out for its charm, thoughtful menu, and community-first approach. Founded by Claire Chan in 2014, this specialty coffee shop has become a neighborhood favorite in West Village and Nolita, blending Pacific Northwest warmth with New York’s fast-paced energy.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Claire moved to New York in 2009 for a graduate program in fashion. But it wasn’t long before she found herself drawn to the hospitality world, spending a year learning the ins and outs of café ownership from the ground up. When she came across a vacant storefront on 128 Charles Street, she knew she had found the perfect space to bring her vision to life.

Claire Chan - Founder of The Elk & Bar Beau (Image sourced from Claire's IG)

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From Fashion to Coffee: Building The Elk from the Ground Up

When Claire moved to New York in 2009 for a graduate program in fashion, she never planned on running a café. But after years of engaging herself in the café industry and developing a strong vision for what she wanted in a coffee shop, she opened The Elk in 2014 at 128 Charles Street in the West Village.

She wanted to create a space that felt personal—somewhere customers could enjoy high-quality coffee and wholesome food in a setting that was cozy, stylish, and functional. Inspired by her Pacific Northwest roots, she designed The Elk to reflect the outdoors, with warm wood tones, natural light, and a relaxed aesthetic. In addition to a menu of light and healthy bites, the café also sells curated home and wellness items, including candles, mugs, and Elk-branded merchandise.

The Elk also has small touches that make it stand out from other coffee spots. At the West Village location, a dog wall celebrates the furry regulars that visit the café, adding a community feel that keeps people coming back.

Expanding the Brand: A Second Location in Nolita

After nearly a decade of success in the West Village, The Elk expanded in 2022 with a second location at 228 Mott Street in Nolita. Opening a second café is always a challenge, especially in a city like New York, where neighborhood dynamics are different on every block. But Claire approached it with the same mindset she had when she first opened The Elk—keeping things intentional, customer-focused, and grounded in quality.

At the same time, The Elk adapted to changing customer habits. After COVID, the café gradually adjusted to a more grab-and-go model, allowing busy New Yorkers to quickly pick up their favorites while still feeling connected to the shop’s identity. Whether stopping by for a cloud cappuccino, a breakfast burrito, or just to browse the well-curated selection of products, customers get a consistently welcoming and well-thought-out experience.

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A Café That Prioritizes People - From Customers to Employees

One of the things that sets The Elk apart is its strong sense of community, something Claire has been intentional about from day one. That community focus doesn’t just extend to customers—it’s also reflected in how she runs her business behind the scenes.

Claire believes that great hospitality starts with a great team, and she’s built an environment where employees feel valued. From training baristas to ensuring that everyone working at The Elk understands the craft behind the coffee, she has created a space where staff can take pride in what they do. The result is a café where customers are greeted by familiar faces, conversations feel natural, and regulars feel like they belong.

That same people-first approach extends to sourcing. The Elk is committed to sustainable, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that what they serve is not just delicious, but also responsibly produced. It’s a balance of business and values—a focus on growth without losing the identity that makes The Elk special.

Seasonal Specials and Limited-Edition Menus

The Elk has become known for seasonal drinks and special menu offerings, adding a little extra excitement to the experience. This Valentine’s Day, for example, they introduced the Raspberry Rose Matcha, a limited-edition drink that blends floral and fruity flavors for a festive twist.

Special menus like these give customers something new to look forward to, while still maintaining the core menu that keeps people coming back. It’s a small but meaningful touch—one that shows Claire’s ability to keep The Elk evolving without losing what makes it a neighborhood favorite.

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Final Thoughts

A decade after opening its first location, The Elk remains a standout in New York’s competitive coffee scene. What Claire Chan has built isn’t just a café—it’s a place where customers feel welcome, where employees feel appreciated, and where every detail, from the ingredients to the ambiance, is considered with care.

With two thriving locations and a loyal following, The Elk continues to prove that great coffee shops aren’t just about the coffee—they’re about the experience, the people, and the sense of place they create. And that’s exactly what Claire has mastered.

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