This week in Bushwick,  a new artisanal coffee shop opened on Wilson between Stockholm and Stanhope Streets.  Called rather un-ironically The Coffee Shop, the spot is the creation of Michael Avila who curated every aspect of the shop down to its custom coffee blend, roasted in Italy.  They’ll serve fine espresso drinks, drip coffee, an assortment of gluten-free treats, and feature local art and music.  While Avila establishes the needs of his customers, they will be open Monday through Friday 6am – 8pm, Saturday 7am – 8pm and Sunday 8am – 8pm.  This first week they’ll be running a 2 for 1 coffee special (mention this article and you’ll get a free gluten-free muffin as well)!  Still not convinced you need to check it out?  Michael Avila’s backstory might convince you to give it a try.

The Bushwick Michael Avila grew up in would not have been the prime locale for an artisanal coffee destination like The Coffee Shop.  “At the time it was a horrible neighborhood, and our mom worked hard and got us out of here,” Avila recalls.  But some of Avila’s family remained in the neighborhood and he kept coming back.  “It’s always been an artistic neighborhood, even then,” Avila says.  “I’m happy to see it turn around.  It’s interesting being hispanic here.  I have a very progressive outlook–I think all of this is so good for everybody if they would get involved.”  Avila hopes to bridge local communities at The Coffee Shop– housing local art and music, serving homemade, gluten-free baked goods, and holding Latin nights in the near future.  “I’m giving this away to the artists of the community and New York,” Avila says.