Melissa Baruno

Welcome to the digital home of Melissa Baruno, the creative force behind One Shot Coffee Cafe in Northern Liberties. This platform showcases Melissa’s dedication to enhancing the cafe experience through their innovative coffee concepts, delicious brunch offerings, and commitment to building a welcoming, queer-friendly space. Beyond serving incredible food and drinks, Melissa Baruno is passionate about creating a community hub that supports locals and visitors alike. With years of experience and a forward-thinking approach, Melissa Baruno provides valuable insight and a unique perspective for those seeking an inclusive and vibrant cafe experience.

About Melissa Baruno

Melissa Baruno, the visionary behind One Shot Coffee Cafe, has been a staple in the Northern Liberties neighborhood since 2005. As a non-binary entrepreneur, they have cultivated a vibrant, queer-friendly space that welcomes all. Originally launched as a small coffee and bagel sandwich shop on Liberties Walk, One Shot Coffee Cafe quickly became known for its unique flavor profiles and experimental coffee blends.

In 2010, Melissa Baruno expanded the cafe by purchasing the bar behind the original location, transforming it into a full kitchen offering a daily brunch menu that has become a neighborhood favorite. One Shot Coffee Cafe also features a cozy second-floor library with comfortable couches, creating a perfect spot for relaxation or work. With a focus on quality, creativity, and community, Melissa Baruno continues to push the boundaries of the cafe experience, making One Shot Coffee Cafe a beloved local destination.

How to Create an Inclusive Café Culture: Lessons from One Shot Coffee

In recent years, the idea of creating inclusive and diverse spaces has gained significant momentum across industries. Cafés, traditionally seen as social hubs, play a unique role in fostering community and connection. Melissa Baruno, founder of One Shot Coffee Cafe in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood, has created a café culture that not only welcomes diversity but celebrates it. Drawing on Melissa’s experience, this article explores practical tips for cultivating an inclusive café environment that embraces people of all backgrounds, genders, and lifestyles.

1. Create a Safe and Welcoming Atmosphere

At the heart of an inclusive café culture is the feeling of safety and comfort for every visitor. Melissa Baruno, a non-binary entrepreneur, has ensured that One Shot Coffee is a space where all identities are respected and embraced. To build a welcoming atmosphere, it’s essential to start with the basics: staff training and environment design.

Staff training: Every member of your team should be trained in cultural sensitivity and inclusive customer service. This includes understanding pronouns, respecting diverse identities, and being mindful of the language used when interacting with customers. Offering ongoing workshops or educational sessions can help ensure that your staff stays informed and empathetic.
Inclusive design: The physical layout of your café should be accessible to all. Ensure your space accommodates individuals with different physical abilities, offering ramps, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms. Consider creating gender-neutral bathroom facilities, as this can provide comfort for customers who don’t identify within the traditional gender binary.

2. Celebrate Diversity Through Ambiance and Aesthetic

The vibe of your café should reflect its inclusive values. One Shot Coffee Cafe has curated a whimsical and inviting atmosphere that speaks to a wide range of customers, from those seeking relaxation to those hoping for a creative space to work. Melissa Baruno shares that the café’s second-floor library with comfortable couches creates an environment where people feel at home, whether they are sipping coffee or reading a book.

Decor and artwork: Embrace diversity by featuring artwork and decor from local artists representing different communities. One Shot Coffee showcases the creativity of the local area, allowing the café to feel connected to the wider community. Displaying art that reflects various cultures, genders, and experiences can help customers see themselves represented within your space.
Music and ambiance: Consider the music and sounds that fill your café. A thoughtful playlist that reflects diverse genres can create an inclusive environment. Whether it’s jazz, indie, or even global sounds, music plays an important role in setting the tone for your space.

3. Offer Menu Options That Cater to Everyone

Melissa Baruno emphasizes that inclusivity should extend to the menu itself. At One Shot Coffee Cafe, the brunch menu is as diverse as the customers who frequent it. With a full kitchen offering creative and locally sourced options, there is something for everyone, no matter their dietary needs or preferences.

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options: Be mindful of dietary restrictions and preferences when creating your menu. Offering plant-based dishes and gluten-free alternatives ensures that everyone can enjoy a meal or snack without feeling left out. Highlight these options clearly on your menu so that customers don’t have to ask or search for them.
Local and ethical sourcing: Customers are increasingly concerned about where their food and drinks come from. Sourcing local, ethical, and sustainable products can help you attract a socially conscious customer base. Melissa Baruno’s commitment to locally sourced and roasted coffee through the One Shot Blend is a great example of how cafés can support local businesses while providing high-quality offerings to their clientele.

4. Engage the Community with Events and Partnerships

A great way to create an inclusive café culture is by actively engaging with the local community. One Shot Coffee Cafe has built a strong reputation not just for its coffee but also for being a queer-friendly space that hosts events and supports local initiatives. Melissa Baruno emphasizes that by building relationships with diverse groups, your café can become a central gathering place for people from all walks of life.

Host community events: Consider organizing events that celebrate diversity, such as LGBTQ+ meetups, cultural celebrations, or art shows featuring marginalized artists. Events like these provide a safe space for underrepresented groups and signal that your café is open to everyone. One Shot Coffee Cafe’s expansion into a full kitchen in 2010 allowed them to offer more events and workshops, building stronger community ties.
Collaborate with local businesses and organizations: Form partnerships with local nonprofits, artists, and organizations to foster a sense of community. Whether it’s collaborating on fundraising efforts or supporting local artisans through in-store pop-ups, these partnerships can enrich the café experience and strengthen your brand’s commitment to inclusivity.

5. Promote an Inclusive Brand Message

Your café’s values should be reflected in its branding and marketing efforts. One Shot Coffee Cafe consistently emphasizes its commitment to community and creativity, ensuring that its brand message aligns with its welcoming, inclusive ethos. Melissa Baruno explains that in order to achieve a similar impact, your café must communicate its inclusivity clearly through all customer touchpoints.

Social media presence: Use your social media platforms to highlight the diverse aspects of your café, including staff stories, community events, and menu offerings. Feature diverse voices and share content that resonates with different groups. Promote your commitment to inclusivity through visuals, testimonials, and community-focused campaigns.
Inclusive language: The language you use on menus, signs, and marketing materials should reflect inclusivity. Use gender-neutral pronouns where appropriate, avoid exclusionary phrases, and ensure that everyone feels represented in your messaging.

6. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Creating an inclusive café culture isn’t a one-time effort; it requires ongoing dedication. Melissa Baruno’s success with One Shot Coffee Cafe comes from a constant commitment to growth, creativity, and community engagement. As you build your own inclusive space, be open to feedback and ready to make changes that better serve your customers.

Seek feedback from your community: Encourage customers and staff to provide feedback on how you can improve inclusivity within your café. Regularly assess your practices, menu offerings, and environment to ensure that they continue to align with your values.
Stay informed: Inclusivity is an evolving concept, and it’s important to stay up to date with best practices. Attend workshops, read articles, and engage with communities that can help you improve your café’s inclusive culture.

Melissa Baruno’s One Shot Coffee Cafe stands as a shining example of how a café can create an inclusive, welcoming environment that caters to diverse communities. Melissa Baruno emphasizes that by focusing on safe spaces, celebrating diversity through aesthetics, offering inclusive menu options, engaging the community, and promoting an inclusive brand message, you can cultivate a café culture where everyone feels valued and welcome. Inclusivity is a journey, and with the right approach, your café can be a vital part of building a more diverse and connected community.

Thank you for visiting the online portfolio of Melissa Baruno, the creative entrepreneur behind One Shot Coffee Cafe, a staple in Northern Liberties since 2005. With a passion for unique coffee concepts, in-house crafted flavors, and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, queer-friendly environment, Melissa has cultivated a space that goes beyond a typical cafe. In addition to serving innovative drinks and daily brunch, Melissa is dedicated to supporting the local community through their inclusive approach and creative vision. Their focus on quality, community, and innovation has made One Shot Coffee Cafe a beloved destination, enriching the neighborhood and creating a lasting impact.