Wake up, New York! It’s almost 3 PM as of the time of writing, and it’s just about time to get one last coffee to carry you through the rest of the day. But with so many coffee shops in the city, where should you go for the best coffee you can find? Well if you’re in SoHo, you should consider visiting The Elk.
The Elk is a neighborhood coffee shop and general store from entrepreneur Claire Chan. Moving to New York after graduating from a prestigious fashion program, Claire quickly pivoted career paths when she discovered her true passion living in the city – owning a coffee shop. Teaching herself everything she knows, Claire was able to acquire a charming storefront at 128 Charles Street in 2014, and the rest is history.
Partnering with Brooklyn-based Parlor Coffee, Claire is dedicated to acquiring the highest quality beans she can get her hands on. Referring to Parlor as her “Number one partner,” Claire is confident that Parlor’s roasting process ensures that the taste of their beans is unparalleled. Claire is a big believer in working with people who share her values, and it was Parlor’s values-driven philosophy that drew her attention.
A Vancouver native, Claire’s coffee shop naturally reflects the aesthetics of the Pacific Northwest. As a tribute to her hometown, Claire infused The Elk’s decor and ethos with the spirit of the outdoors – something that is desperately needed in a city like New York. Focusing on social responsibility and developing sustainable practices, The Elk is committed to offering guests only the highest quality ingredients.
Now, after about 8 years of successful operation in the West Village, Claire is gearing up for The Elk’s very first expansion. Moving into a vacant space at 228 Mott Street, the new expansion will be the first of Claire’s ventures to arrive in SoHo. Replacing the popular Gimme Coffee that previously occupied the location, the space is already well-suited for a cafe. For more information, follow The Elk on Instagram and be sure to track their latest progress.
