Walking into Sankofa Cafe, Montclair’s newest coffee shop, is a comforting blend of community and culture. And that’s precisely what Sankofa, an Adinkra symbol, is meant to convey: learning from the past.
Jessica Troupe, a longtime Montclair resident, opened the doors for a soft opening on the day of the annual Montclair African American Heritage Parade and Festival. It was coming full circle on a passion project meant to build up and add to the community.
The cafe at 319 Orange Road is a welcoming, expansive space filled with conveniences, art, and the wafting scents of the day’s muffins baking.
Troupe has been dreaming of opening a cafe for about 20 years. However, this iteration of Sankofa began in earnest two years ago amidst a major life change. Despite the hardships of building out a new space and facing the challenges of personal struggles, Troupe’s biggest joy these days is seeing her vision manifested each day she walks through the doors of Sankofa Cafe. “It has given me a chance to show up for myself and also give back to a community that has meant so much to me.”
Inspiration for Sankofa Cafe
Troupe’s connection to Sankofa and her reverence for the rich history of the South End inspired the cafe’s theme. “The Sankofa has been a part of who I am for a very long time. So much wisdom comes from one’s past. The South End’s legacy is deeply revered by its longtime residents. I wanted the cafe to reflect respect for that while also feeling welcoming to newer residents who have chosen to call this neighborhood home,” Troupe explains.
Troupe hopes that Sankofa will be an integral part of the neighborhood, serving as a welcoming gathering place for everyone. The seating, adorned with Adinkra symbols and complemented by green accent walls and cultural decorations, provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Banquettes offer seating options for one or two people and larger groups, and a comfy couch and coffee table anchor the open space, adding to the warm vibe. Troupe wanted to create a thoughtful and cozy space for people to work and socialize.
Sankofa Cafe’s Menu
It’s not the welcoming space alone that draws in patrons. The coffee drinks are the center of attention at Sankofa—the cold brew is already a big hit with locals. Sankofa uses Harlem’s Plow Shares coffee, a robust, single-origin bean that makes an excellent latte. Troupe, who grew up in Harlem, wanted a high-quality coffee that tied her own history to her current life. Not into coffee? Options like a delicious Hibiscus and a refreshing Iced Tea are especially popular, sometimes with a shot of lavender.
Sankofa Cafe offers a wide variety of pastries from Team Dadzie Patisserie in Bloomfield, including deliciously flaky croissants and Danish. Muffins are baked in-house each morning, and the flavors change daily. The self-serve refrigerator offers yogurt, breakfast cookies, juices, and more choices. Stock up on Sankofa swag, including mugs and travel containers, which come with a small discount when used for coffee purchases.
The cafe is sure to become a hub for community activities, working, visiting, comfort, and connection. Speaking of connection, each seating area has multiple options for plugging in and charging devices, and the Wi-Fi is free. Troupe aims to attract local regulars and visitors to the South End who want to make Sankofa their chosen spot to be industrious, relax, and recharge. She hopes all who visit to feel comfortable and wholly accepted.
“I love this neighborhood so much; it is very special. I love how deeply folks here protect the history and legacy of the South End. And even with growth and changes, the essence of what makes it special continues to flourish.”
Sankofa Cafe will keep locals returning for fresh coffee and a warm vibe.
Sankofa is fantastic! The coffee is delicious and it is already a community hub for the South End. I ran into five of my neighbors on a recent visit.
CONGRATULATIONS JESSICA TROUPE! Wishing you and your family/team ALL THE BEST!!!