EAST HARLEM, NY — A new café showcasing cultural diversity and high-quality coffee has recently opened at The Africa Center in East Harlem. This vibrant addition to Fifth Avenue is dedicated to ethically sourced, “culture-anchored” beverages and snacks, according to its owner.
CUP @ The Africa Center, a collaboration with Bed-Stuy-based coffee brand Coffee Uplifts People, has debuted on the ground floor of 1280 Fifth Ave., conveniently located along the eastern edge of Central Park near 110th Street.
“Coffee Uplifts People is partnering with The Africa Center to bring our culture-anchored menu of direct-sourced coffee and teas paired with a curated menu of bites from our Brooklyn flagship to East Harlem,” Tony Forte, president and CEO of Coffee Uplifts People, shared.
The café offers a range of freshly roasted coffee, cold brew, and a selection of loose-leaf teas. Additionally, guests can enjoy various non-coffee beverages, including sorrel, lemonade, and ginger beer.
CUP sources its coffee beans directly from single-origin farms across the globe, focusing on fair-trade practices and principles that celebrate diversity. The café’s coffee farm partners include regions in Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, and Sumatra, as outlined on CUP’s website.
CUP was co-founded in Bed-Stuy in 2020 by nationally syndicated radio host Angela Yee, along with Forte and LaRon Batchelor.
As noted by The Africa Center, proceeds from the East Harlem café will help expand fair-trade certified cooperatives in Arabica coffee-producing regions of Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda.
“Known for impeccable service, lifestyle vibes, and cultural programming, the alignment of CUP and The Africa Center is the 2026 partnership we didn’t know we needed but couldn’t be more thrilled to have,” Forte commented.
CUP @ The Africa Center is open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- CUP @ The Africa Center is a new café located at The Africa Center in East Harlem.
- It features a culture-anchored menu with ethically sourced coffee and teas.
- The café collaborates with Coffee Uplifts People for its offerings.
- Proceeds will aid fair-trade coffee cooperatives across Africa.
- It operates on Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FAQ
What are the café’s opening hours?
CUP @ The Africa Center is open Wednesday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What types of drinks does the café offer?
The café serves freshly roasted coffee, cold brew, loose-leaf teas, and non-coffee drinks like sorrel and lemonade.
Who are the co-founders of CUP?
CUP was co-founded by Angela Yee, Tony Forte, and LaRon Batchelor.
Where does the coffee come from?
The café sources its coffee beans from single-origin farms in Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, and Sumatra.
For those interested in discovering a unique coffee experience while supporting fair-trade practices, CUP @ The Africa Center is a welcoming new destination in East Harlem. Visitors can look forward to a culturally rich atmosphere while enjoying a diverse range of beverages and snacks.
