Anchor Island Coffee, a small business owned by Armando Vasquez, has evolved into a beloved LGBTQ hangout spot since its opening in March 2020. Despite the challenges faced by many small businesses, Vasquez's coffee shop, located at 41st and Troost in Kansas City, Missouri, has become a beacon of community and inclusion. This transformation is particularly evident during Pride Month, when the coffee shop hosts pop-up events featuring local small businesses and artists. One such artist is Erika Sakata, a queer, half-Black, half-Japanese creative whose art reflects her multifaceted identity. Sakata appreciates the opportunity to share her art and connect with others who resonate with her work. These pop-ups not only provide a platform for diverse voices but also foster a sense of belonging within the community. Vasquez expresses immense pride in how his dream has become a shared space for others. The pop-up events and further details are available on Anchor Island Coffee's Instagram page.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.