Opening the shop in the War Streets has been one of the scariest things we’ve ever done. We knew the other shops that had been in the space – we were involved with Beleza coffee in their early stages – so when we saw a sign from the landlord that said “if you have interest in being a part of this reopening give us a call” we gave him a call to see if we could help. But, as life happens, so did the journey of Commonplace eventually taking on this space.

Just like with Squirrel Hill and Voluto, close friends and employees who were raising a family in the neighborhood were ready to lead a community effort. Frank and Belle, have not just been the force behind this shop opening, but one of the biggest reasons it is what it is today. Their heart and vision to keep the shop community-centric, to honor the love and desires of the most recent owners, and to design and run a shop that reflects both the mission of Commonplace and the neighborhood is the reason it is the space it is today.

When we opened the MWS shop, we did not understand what that dynamic was going to mean. This shop couldn’t exist without the knowledge, skill, and personal relationships developed at our other shops. It has so much experience, trials, and triumph built into it’s makeup. It has become a space where people can walk across the street every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and share their lives with us. This support has been the biggest surprise and gift we’ve received.

Being in the shop reflects this. A friendly, familiar face that greets you as you walk in and genuinely is excited to get to know you while making your coffee. With floor to ceiling windows that look out onto the neighborhood, this small shop was never built for the volume we so gratefully experience now. On weekend mornings we are at times standing-room only, but in the most warm, loving way one could imagine. Our friends and neighbors are multi-generational, multi-cultural and full of stories and life. And, people are willing to cross a bridge to be a part of it.