The Hamlett Coffee Shop + Apothecary Lands in Lemon Grove
Founded by a brother-sister dynamic duo, The Hamlett in Lemon Grove serves coffee and tea with a wellness twist, and is an incubator for other Black-owned businesses in San Diego.
The Hamlett Coffee Shop + Apothecary is now open for business in the heart of Lemon Grove, located on the corners of Broadway and Lemon Grove Ave. Founded by brother-sister duo, Shacole and Zachary Hamlett, this Black-owned business serves up coffee and tea with a wellness twist, including mermaid matcha with blue spirulina, magic lotus energy drinks plus traditional coffee with sea moss gel, energy shots and essential oils add-ins.
“Health is a serious issue in Lemon Grove, which has a very high rate of diabetes and cancer,” says Shacole. “There are no healthy options; it’s all fast food all up and down Broadway. There’s no vegan, plant-based food places.”
In addition to coffee and plant-based pastries, The Hamlett serves as an incubator for other Black-owned health and wellness businesses in San Diego by selling candles, oils, lotions in its apothecary shelf space. Local artisans also have prints, crafts and wares on display for purchase.
“We wanted to lift up people who have amazing products but need the guidance to scale their business,” says Shacole. “We’ve been through this ourselves; there are so many permits and licensing rules to follow. It’s so freaking hard! We want to help people through what we have learned in putting this together.”
“In America, lasting things are businesses. And really, it’s coffee shops that bring people together.”
The original idea for The Hamlett came to Shacole’s brother, Zachary, a recent high school grad, after attending Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. “I wanted to make a difference so I went to the protests in La Mesa, in Santee. But it was all counter productive,” says Zachary. “So I thought, what could have a lasting impact? In America, lasting things are businesses, and really, it’s coffee shops that bring people together.”
Designed with Gen Z in mind, the coffee shop’s cheerful and modern design offers an unique stadium-seating gathering space plus comfortable seating at traditional coffee shop tables for studying, eating and working.
“It’s literally been a dream. And it feels like a tight warmness to finally see a place for everyone. Wellness is more than physical; it’s mental and feeling like you belong,” Zachary adds.
Open everyday, 7am-2pm
The Hamlett Coffee Shop + Apothecary
7801 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
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