Ruth Rogers is the owner of The River Café, a beloved Italian restaurant in London. She co-founded it with Rose Gray, who sadly passed away in 2010, and has been running it solo ever since. Tucked away in Hammersmith and Fulham, The River Café may be a bit off the beaten path, but its exceptional Italian cuisine makes every trip worth it. With its warm atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients, it’s no surprise that this spot remains a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

Back in 1992, Terryl Gavre turned a dream into reality when she used the proceeds from selling a screenplay to open Café 222 in San Diego. Nestled in the Marina District, just a few blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center, and Petco Park, the café has grown alongside the city’s vibrant downtown, becoming a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. With its classic diner feel—cozy booths, countertop seating, and a welcoming patio perfect for soaking up San Diego’s sunshine—Café 222 offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Their famous pumpkin waffles, featured in Gourmet Magazine, are a must-try, and the café’s impressive list of accolades, including 14 Gold Medallion Awards for ‘Best Breakfast’ from the San Diego chapter of the California Restaurant Association, cements its reputation as a true San Diego icon.

Either/Or is a cozy, welcoming restaurant nestled on North Williams Avenue in Portland’s Boise neighborhood. Originally, it made its mark in the Sellwood-Moreland area of Southeast Portland before relocating to its current spot. The restaurant takes its name from Elliott Smith’s 1997 album, a nod to Portland’s rich music culture. Proudly queer-owned, Either/Or has built a strong community, attracting a large LGBTQ+ clientele and creating a space where all marginalized groups can feel at home. According to Jack Rushall of Willamette Week, inclusivity is at the heart of its mission. Now owned by Thanh and King, Either/Or continues to serve up great food and a sense of belonging in equal measure.

Monique “Mo” Maravilla is the heart behind Kindness & Mischief Coffee, a beloved community-driven coffee shop in Highland Park, Los Angeles. As the first Filipina woman roaster in LA, Mo turned her passion for coffee into a mission—creating a space where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected. Noticing the lack of women, especially women of color, in the specialty coffee industry, she set out to change the narrative by roasting her own beans and opening her own shop. Since launching in 2016, K+M Coffee has been more than just a café; it’s a place that fosters meaningful connections, celebrates AAPI culture through carefully sourced coffee and inspired menu offerings, and prioritizes accessibility with a 100% vegan drink menu and fully vegetarian food options.

Majora Carter and Sulma Arzu-Brown are the powerhouse duo behind Boogie Down Grind, a hip-hop-themed coffee shop bringing soul and culture to the Bronx. More than just a café, it’s a community-driven space where locals and visitors alike can soak in the borough’s rich hip-hop and jazz influences while enjoying top-quality coffee and bites. One of the biggest highlights? Their lively open mic nights every Wednesday, where talent meets great energy in an atmosphere that feels like home. And if you’re looking for the perfect drink to sip while vibing to the performances, their signature sangria and refreshing lemonade are absolute crowd-pleasers.

While working together at the same law firm, Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas forged a friendship that would later evolve into a thriving business partnership. Bonded by shared dreams and a passion for community, they turned their vision into reality with the creation of Sip & Sonder. Founded in 2017 in Inglewood, CA, Sip & Sonder has grown into a globally recognized Black women-owned coffee brand, encompassing coffeehouses, a roastery, and digital content spaces—all dedicated to fostering connection and culture through the love of coffee.

At The Scene in South Park Café, everyone feels like they belong. Opened in 2023, this welcoming space was brought to life by Michelle Lang-Raymond and Jay Raymond, who transformed the former Resistancia Coffee location into a vibrant community hub. Their vision? A place where people can connect, collaborate, or simply unwind over a great cup of coffee. On the menu, you’ll find expertly crafted espresso and tea drinks, alongside buttery croissant breakfast sandwiches, fresh yogurt parfaits, and delicious salads—perfect for starting your day or taking a well-deserved break.

Kanchan Singh is the heart behind Crumbs & Whiskers, a cozy cat café with locations in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. More than just a place to sip coffee, her cafés serve as safe havens for homeless cats and kittens rescued from high-kill shelters. Through partnerships with rescue organizations, these felines are given a second chance at life, cared for in a warm and loving environment until they find their forever homes. At its core, Crumbs & Whiskers is on a mission to reduce euthanasia rates and transform the lives of homeless cats—one cuddle and adoption at a time.