Our Story
Kinship Cafe began at the height of the pandemic in June 2021 as a bold vision to create something different, something meaningful. As a Black-owned business rooted in resilience, we overcame countless challenges to open our doors and started roasting our own coffee by July 2022. Our signature blends are crafted with precision, offering exotic floral notes that balance brightness over bitterness and smoothness over boldness.
We’re more than just coffee; we’re a movement. Located in the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, Kinship is a cozy space with big vibes, where quality coffee meets a mission of uplifting the community.
The Inspiration
Kinship’s story begins with our founder, TJ, whose journey with coffee started at the age of 10 while playing drums for his dad’s church. As the preacher’s kid (PK), TJ was the first to arrive, brewing Folger’s coffee in a retro BUNN machine for the worship team. Watching people from all walks of life come together over a simple pot of coffee sparked his belief in its communal power.
Years later, after becoming the first African American male graduate of his high school and working eight years in insurance sales, TJ’s curiosity for coffee was reignited. Frequenting local coffee shops like Black Dog, The Filling Station, and The Roasterie for meetings, he noticed something missing: Black representation. No Black baristas, no Black consumers, no cultural influence – just coffee.
In 2019, he took a leap of faith, learning all there was to be an excellent barista at The Roasterie. Immersing himself in the craft, he worked there for two years until July 2021, when he signed the lease for Kinship and began building his dream.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Kinship Cafe is more than a coffee shop – it’s a platform for community growth and collaboration. We’re dedicated to circulating dollars within the Black community by partnering with BIPOC business owners, sourcing coffee from Black-equity farmers in Kenya, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and beyond, and amplifying other BIPOC creatives.
Each visit to Kinship is an opportunity to enjoy great coffee, support local businesses, and embrace an intentional way of living. Whether it’s through the exceptional quality of our drinks, the community events we host, or the products from local creators we showcase, every experience at Kinship is designed to foster connection and comfort.
Looking ahead, Kinship Cafe is growing into a Midwest Coffee Enterprise that values people as much as it values great coffee. Our vision includes:
Expanding catering, wholesale roasting, and grocery offerings.
Building an off-site roasting facility and commissary to increase production and partnerships.
Opening a second location to create more high-paying jobs and provide a larger space for events, art, and community connections.
Creating a hub for BIPOC artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives to thrive, collaborate, and inspire.
At Kinship, we’re on a mission to scale with intention while staying true to our roots. We’re here to bring people together, inspire collaboration, and share the goodness that community and hella good coffee can bring!
Taste the Kindness