Unexpected Challenges in the Coffee & Matcha Business with Babaloo Coffee Club

Oct 2

Written By GoLive

This month we want to talk about Babaloo Coffee Club. The new hip and vibey coffee and matcha joint in South End. Hear from Emmanuel Perez, local restauranteur with multiple food and beverage concepts, and how he made his entrance into the coffee world. We'll hear a little bit about what makes the brand tick, advice about how to create a successful operation in Charlotte, and some of the unexpected challenges that even seasoned operators encounter in this industry.

KY: Babalu is not the only food and beverage concept you're behind in Charlotte, what other establishments do you own/operate?

EP: Babaloo isn’t our only venture in Charlotte’s food scene - we’re also behind Muraya in Southend and El Puro in LOSO. Each concept reflects different aspects of what we’re passionate about.

KY: How did you make the jump from more traditional F&B, to coffee?

EP: The jump to coffee felt natural for us. We’ve been big coffee drinkers since day one, and coming from Colombia and Cuba, our families have always embraced coffee culture and the intricate process behind it. Coffee shops tend to be more manageable operationally, and there’s something special about how they naturally become community gathering spaces. After experiencing matcha culture in Japan, we knew we had to bring that energy to our shop in a fun yet warm environment that felt authentically us.

KY: What elements do you think are most conducive to running a successful coffee business, whether spatial or otherwise?

What challenges have you run into while renovating previously occupied or shell space?
What makes Babalu so special?
We are currently on the hunt for location #2. What are your hopes and dreams for your second location that you'd like to see come to fruition?\

EP: For running a successful coffee business, it really comes down to a few key elements. First and foremost, it’s about the team you train and bring into the family - they’re everything. Creativity and sourcing quality ingredients are crucial for maintaining that high product standard people expect. But beyond the coffee itself, ambiance and comfort play huge roles in creating a space where people want to spend time.

KY: What challenges have you run into while renovating previously occupied or shell space?

EP: Construction is always an adventure! I actually love being able to customize every single detail when the budget allows for it. The main challenges we’ve faced are usually around waiting for inspectors and those small details that subcontractors sometimes miss. The timeline is always longer than you anticipate, especially compared to just remodeling an existing space.

KY: What makes Babaloo special?

EP: For us, it’s so much more than just a small shop - it’s a space where we blend energy with creativity. Babaloo represents family, culture, and honestly, it’s a work in progress that we believe will become something really big. Our vision is to blend Babaloo with fashion, health, music, and who knows what else. We have so much in the works for the brand that we can’t wait to share with our Charlotte community and beyond.

KY: We are currently on the hunt for location #2. What are your hopes and dreams for your second location that you'd like to see come to fruition?

EP: As for location #2, we’re keeping some things close to the vest for now because creating experiences and surprises is what we love as a company and as a family. What I will say is that Babaloo has the spirit of a big brand with a small local heart, and we prefer to show rather than tell when the time comes. Stay tuned!

Feel free to visit Babaloo Coffee Club at 1425 Winnifred St #117, Charlotte, NC 28203.