Our Story

Located in downtown Wilmington’s Cargo District East, Bean There Café offers an elevated cafe experience by the esteemed Chef Hollingsworth.

Every great café begins with a simple idea: to create a place where people feel at home. Ours started with a love for good coffee, fresh food, and meaningful conversations—the kind that happen naturally over a warm cup and a delicious bite to eat.

Where It All Began

Our journey started in 2023 when Chef Hollingsworth set out to bring something special to Wilmington, NC. Inspired by his years of experience in the restaurant industry, childhood upbringing, and passion for delivering a quality dining experience, Bean There Café opened it’s doors with a clear goal: to serve superior coffee alongside fresh, high-quality food in a space that feels inviting to everyone.

Our Philosophy

To us, a café should feel like a daily ritual worth savoring. It’s not just about what’s on the menu—it’s about creating a complete sensory experience.

We focus on thoughtfully crafted, clean-label food and drinks done exceptionally well. Our coffee is locally roasted, and it is brewed with precision by our skilled baristas. Our baked goods are made fresh daily by our Maître Boulanger (Master Baker) and pastry chefs. Our breakfast and lunch offerings are prepared by Chef Hollingsworth and seasoned Sous chef and cook with ingredients we trust and flavors that feel both familiar and thoughtfully elevated.

We value consistency, quality, and care in every detail—from the way your latte is poured to the way your meal is served. No shortcuts, no compromises—just a commitment to creating something you can rely on, every time you walk through our doors.

More Than Coffee

While coffee is a part of what we do, our kitchen is just as important. Each day, we prepare a selection of baked goods—from stuffed croissants, puff-tarts, cake doughnuts to cake by the slice, scones, Danishes—as well as fresh breakfast and lunch dishes designed to comfort, energize, and bring people together.

Community First

We’re proud to be a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or settling in with a pastry and your favorite drink, we’re here to give you an exceptional experience. From our intimate interior to our large outdoor space, we are proud to be family-friendly with a space for everyone.

Growing With You

What began as a small idea has grown into something we couldn’t have imagined without our community. Your support, stories, and shared moments—over coffee, meals, and treats—are what continue to inspire us every day. We encourage you to share your experiences and tag us along on socials!

Visit Us

We invite you to sip back & stay awhile. Indulge in a sweet treat or fuel your day-become a part of our story. Because here, every cup, every meal, and every baked good is made with care—and every guest is part of our journey!