There’s something brewing in the Southeast—literally. As 2025’s coffee scene fades, a wave of new shops is reshaping how we sip, socialize, and savor the region’s evolving coffee culture. From repurposed breweries to retro-futuristic themes, these spots aren’t just serving coffee—they’re crafting experiences. Here’s how the Southeast’s coffee game is heating up.
Belleair Coffee Co. in Largo, Florida, turned a former beer brewery into a sunlit haven of velvet chairs and café tables, proving that space can be reimagined. Meanwhile, Applied Arts Coffee in New Orleans fused Scandinavian brunch with specialty roasts, turning an industrial space into a cozy Nordic outpost. These shops aren’t just about beans—they’re about blending craft with community, turning coffee into a catalyst for connection.
In Jackson, Mississippi, Northshore Specialty Coffee’s 13,000-square-foot roastery and its first cafe embody a bold move: automated brewing meets maritime flair, creating a space that’s both tech-forward and nostalgic. Similarly, Rowan Coffee in Asheville transformed an old garage into a light-drenched cafe, proving that industrial aesthetics can feel warm and inviting. These spots aren’t just places to grab a cup—they’re statements about how coffee can redefine urban spaces.
The Southeast’s coffee scene is also embracing collaboration. Whammy Coffee in Birmingham repurposed a former coffee shop into a vibrant, paint-splashed hub, while Take Two Coffee in Fort Myers swapped its original location for a bustling new spot with murals and plants. Even Hogg Batch Coffee in St. Petersburg elevated its first cafe into a stylish, elevated space, showing that quality and ambiance go hand in hand.
Scandinavian brunches and maritime themes aren’t just trends—they’re ways to create memorable, immersive environments.
KEY POINTS: Southeast coffee shops are redefining the craft by merging hospitality with hyper-local design. Repurposed spaces, like Belleair’s brewery-turned-café, highlight adaptability. Scandinavian brunches and maritime themes aren’t just trends—they’re ways to create memorable, immersive environments. And when coffee shops partner with breweries or food programs, they’re not just selling beans—they’re building communities.
Which of these new spots will you be checking out first?
Questions & Answers
Which Southeast city had the most new coffee shops in 2025?
Atlanta had the most new coffee shops in 2025, with over 20 openings, driven by its growing population and café culture.
What’s the trend in Southeast coffee shop openings?
The trend shows a focus on sustainability, plant-based options, and local sourcing, reflecting broader consumer preferences in the region.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
