But first, coffee…It’s a simple mantra, yet it holds so much meaning. For me, my deep appreciation for coffee culture began in earnest in the early 2000s when I worked at the Coffee and Tea Exchange in Chicago. The smell of the roaster I feel is still embedded in my clothes, it’s never left. More than just a job, it sparked my love affair with high-quality coffee. As I began exploring the wide world of beans—discovering the different regions, roasts, single origins, blends, and preparation methods—I realized that coffee culture was far more complex and rich than I had ever imagined. Now, it’s the first thing I do each morning. My day always starts with a pot, and no matter what I have to do, it’s but first, coffee….At One North, this commitment to quality and care is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re crafting an espresso drink with precision or sourcing the best roasts the Mid-Atlantic has to offer, we are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional coffee experience. It’s not just about serving coffee—it’s about presenting something we are proud of, something that reflects our passion and dedication to the craft. To me, this means never stopping in our pursuit of excellence. We constantly evolve and refine our offerings, always striving to bring you the best. This shop first and foremost is about coffee, it is the epicenter of what we do. Our work is never truly done, because we believe there is always room to grow, to learn, and to improve. We are committed to bringing only the finest to our customers—we have work to do but first, coffee…
Doug Smith