By Amber Mabe

Chilly mornings, cool evenings, and changing leaves herald the proper start of fall, and with it the cravings for comforting hot drinks and cozy environments. Kyle’s Coffee, a Kernersville staple, is a great place to find both of these. Since 2017, Kyle Burge has been serving up locally roasted coffee and handcrafted drinks in his downtown coffee shop. This fall, Kyle’s Coffee is sporting a revamped, modern look and is bursting with changes that make this beloved local hangout even better than before.

“Downtown Kernersville is exploding with growth,” Kyle says, “as the original coffee roaster in town, I thought it was time for an updated look that would provide a welcoming atmosphere for customers.” Warm, inviting tones and new furniture help to create a modern but cozy look for Kyle’s Coffee this fall. Whether it be friends meeting for coffee, professionals looking for a productive spot to work, or families with kids, Kyle designed his space to be a welcoming environment for all when he was planning the recent renovation. “The concept of a ‘third place’ was part of my influence for the new look,” Kyle says. “The majority of my customers come to hang out and relax, so I wanted it to be inviting. But I still wanted to make it easy for customers on the go to be able to come in and get a quick cup of coffee.”

A new look is not the only big change happening at Kyle’s Coffee, however. Launching this month is an all-new menu that Kyle spent time developing particularly for his shop. “I wanted to do something I haven’t seen any coffee shop around here do,” Kyle says. “Something more interactive that will help customers when they are choosing their drinks.” The new menu makes ordering coffee accessible to even the newest coffee drinkers, by breaking the process down into steps that help customers design the perfect drink each time they order. Instead of being intimidated by huge menus and fancy terminology, customers will be able to personalize their drinks based on their own preferences and needs. For those who want a slower, more immersive coffee experience, Kyle is bringing back fresh pour-overs and French presses as an option in the shop. These slower, hand-poured methods bring out the subtle notes and fullness of each blend, providing a coffee-tasting experience for those who enjoy trying Kyle’s various artisan roasts. Sometimes, however, you just need a quick cup of coffee to get you through a busy day. As a new measure of convenience, Kyle’s Coffee will be launching an online ordering portal, allowing customers to pre-order drinks through the store’s website—perfect for large orders or people on the go who still want a quality, handcrafted beverage from a local shop.

Things are also expanding for Kyle’s Coffee on the roasting side of the business. The acquisition of a new roaster will allow him to keep up with the local demand and potentially broaden the reach of wholesale coffee beans. Soon, more people than ever will have access to Kyle’s specially selected and skillfully roasted blends. “I enjoy every roast, and take each batch seriously,” Kyle says. “That’s why we have unparalleled quality in our roast in comparison with larger corporations.” This fall, watch for special varieties such as a Bali Blue Moon, and a blend sourced from Papua New Guinea, both with robust, fall flavors that are perfect for the changing seasons. All of Kyle’s current roasts can be found on his website, with knowledgeable descriptions of the coffee’s source and flavor notes. You might notice the coffee bags in the shop also have an updated look, with new, resealable tops and clear viewing windows so you can see exactly what you are getting before you buy. From raw beans to that smooth, steaming cup of coffee that starts your day, Kyle carefully crafts every part of the process to bring the best product to his customers.

Kyle’s roasting expertise not only benefits his customers, but also the community at large. Private labeling, a special kind of fundraising, has raised money for many local charitable organizations, schools, and more. Through this outreach effort, Kyle works with each organization to develop a blend and personalized label for their needs. From start to finish, Kyle handles the roasting, packaging, labeling, sales via the shop and website, and fulfillment of the fundraising blend orders. The only part left to the organization itself is to promote the sale of their special blend. With every bag sold, a significant portion of sales goes to benefit the charitable cause. With his new, larger roaster, Kyle hopes to expand his reach by partnering with more local and even national organizations to raise money for good causes. In this way, Kyle is giving back to the community and people who have supported his own small business journey. Recently, Kyle’s Coffee was able to band with the community in support of another local eatery, Fitz on Main, after a devastating fire left the restaurant severely damaged. The Fitz on Main Blend has helped to raise money for the much-loved restaurant to recover and rebuild. The special blend is still available for those who want to contribute to the worthy cause. “It’s awesome to be able to give back to such an icon in this town,” says Kyle.

These are just a few of the exciting things happening at Kyle’s Coffee this year. If you want to experience Kyle’s exquisite, handcrafted coffee firsthand, visit the shop at 126 South Main Street, Suite A (near Harmon Park), or you can enjoy gourmet coffee at home by purchasing his seasonal blends on the shop’s website, KylesCoffee.net.