Charlotte, February 18, 2026
In Charlotte, Howard University alumni Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart have opened Hilltop Coffee & Tea, a coffee shop inspired by the university’s student newspaper, The Hilltop. This establishment aims to foster community engagement and connection, enriching Charlotte’s civic life while offering high-quality products like the ‘Mecca Forever Blend’. Their journey reflects the power of local entrepreneurship in enhancing community relationships and serving residents.
Charlotte Entrepreneurs Brew Community Spirit with Howard Legacy
In Charlotte, two visionary Howard University alumni are demonstrating the power of personal initiative and entrepreneurial spirit by establishing a coffee shop that weaves together community engagement with a rich historical narrative. Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart, both graduates of Howard, have founded Hilltop Coffee & Tea, a local establishment deeply inspired by their alma mater’s student-led newspaper, The Hilltop. This venture not only provides a gathering place but also exemplifies how private enterprise, driven by individual commitment, can significantly enrich local civic life and foster connection.
Their story is a testament to the enduring impact of educational institutions and the entrepreneurial drive that alumni bring back to their communities. By channeling their shared appreciation for campus news and community interaction from their college days, Shiver and Hart have cultivated a unique space in Charlotte. Their journey highlights how individual achievement, when combined with a clear vision for community benefit, can contribute significantly to local development, often with efficiency that organically complements broader civic goals.
The Vision: A Nod to Howard’s “The Hilltop”
The inspiration for Hilltop Coffee & Tea stems directly from The Hilltop, Howard University’s influential student newspaper. For founders Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart, The Hilltop in the 1990s served as a vital source of information about campus events and local community happenings, predating the widespread use of social media. They shared a belief in the importance of staying informed about their local community and current events. This shared memory of eagerly anticipating the newspaper’s release, and the subsequent conversations it sparked, formed the foundational concept for their coffee shop. They aimed to recreate a similar nostalgic ambiance, blending the tradition of reading news with enjoying coffee, a practice they observed in their parents and grandparents. The name “Hilltop Coffee” was chosen to pay homage to something influential that embodied excellence to them.
From Campus Dreams to Charlotte Realities
Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart both began their journeys at Howard in 1996. Hart studied computer-based information systems and currently works as a systems engineer, while Shiver studied biology and is a nurse. Their entrepreneurial path began to take shape when Hart gained experience in the coffee industry in 2015, helping to manage a business venture at a local university in Charlotte. Nearly 25 years after graduating, they reconnected through mutual friends, quickly finding alignment in their visions. While their initial aspiration was to establish their business on Howard’s campus, they were ultimately unable to secure a permanent spot there. This led them to establish Hilltop Coffee & Tea in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, after operating a mobile coffee cart in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) as they prepared the Charlotte location.
A Commitment to Quality and Community Connection
Hilltop Coffee & Tea is committed to offering high-quality products, meticulously sourcing their coffee and food items. This dedication to quality is evident in their menu, which includes smoothies, smoothie bowls, and green juices. A notable offering is the “Mecca Forever Blend,” a dark, smooth, and high-quality coffee blend named as an homage to Howard University’s rich history. Beyond their menu, Shiver and Hart are actively seeking to create a space that fosters community. They envision partnerships with institutions like the College of Fine Arts to host art contests for label creation and collaborations with Howard University for menu themes, internships, and projects. This strategic community engagement underscores their broader mission to connect and serve the community through their establishment.
Fostering Civic Engagement Through Private Enterprise
The establishment of Hilltop Coffee & Tea in Charlotte exemplifies how private partnerships and individual initiative can contribute significantly to civic innovation. By creating a welcoming space that encourages connection, Shiver and Hart are organically building a community hub. Their focus on sourcing from Black-owned gardens for herbs and ingredients for their syrups and garnishes demonstrates a commitment to supporting other local businesses, fostering a vibrant local economy. This approach aligns with the principle that robust community growth is often spurred by the choices and leadership of local entrepreneurs, reducing reliance on extensive bureaucracy and instead leveraging personal initiative for collective benefit. Such ventures provide tangible spaces for civic involvement, allowing residents to gather, exchange ideas, and strengthen local bonds.
Charlotte’s Expanding Community Fabric
Hilltop Coffee & Tea enriches Charlotte’s dynamic community landscape, adding to the city’s diverse array of local establishments. The venture serves as a practical illustration of how personal enterprise contributes to Charlotte NC events and the broader Queen City community. By establishing a business rooted in both personal passion and a desire for community enrichment, Shiver and Hart are not only pursuing individual achievement but also enhancing the collective experience of residents. Their efforts contribute to Charlotte’s reputation as a place where individual endeavors and local leadership thrive, shaping a unique character within North Carolina gatherings.
Support Local Initiatives for a Stronger Community
The story of Hilltop Coffee & Tea is a compelling example of how personal initiative and a strong vision can create valuable community assets. By supporting local businesses like Hilltop Coffee & Tea, Charlotte residents play a direct role in fostering a vibrant, interconnected community. We encourage everyone to explore and engage with the many local initiatives and establishments that contribute to Charlotte’s unique character and continued growth. Your participation in and support of these ventures help cultivate a stronger, more resilient community for all.
Keywords: Charlotte NC coffee, Howard alumni Charlotte, Hilltop Coffee & Tea, local entrepreneurship Charlotte, Charlotte community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilltop Coffee & Tea
Where is Hilltop Coffee & Tea located?
Hilltop Coffee & Tea is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who founded Hilltop Coffee & Tea?
Hilltop Coffee & Tea was founded by Howard University alumni Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart.
What inspired the creation of Hilltop Coffee & Tea?
The coffee shop was inspired by The Hilltop, Howard University’s student-led newspaper, which served as a vital source of community and campus news for the founders during their college years.
What kind of products does Hilltop Coffee & Tea offer?
Hilltop Coffee & Tea offers high-quality coffee, including their “Mecca Forever Blend,” as well as smoothies, smoothie bowls, and green juices. They also emphasize sourcing local ingredients.
What is the mission of Hilltop Coffee & Tea beyond serving coffee?
Beyond serving coffee, Hilltop Coffee & Tea aims to serve and connect with the community by creating a gathering space and planning partnerships for art contests, internships, and projects.
Key Features of Hilltop Coffee & Tea
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Founders | Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart, Howard University alumni |
| Inspiration | Howard University’s student newspaper, The Hilltop |
| Menu Highlights | “Mecca Forever Blend” coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls, green juices |
| Community Focus | Creating a community hub, fostering connections, planning partnerships with local arts and university programs |
| Sourcing | Emphasizes high-quality coffee and food, partners with Black-owned gardens for herbs |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
