Java Journey's--Nags Head

If any business sectors refute the common wisdom that the invasion of national chains inevitably spell doom for the local mom and pop operations, pizza and coffee are certainly excellent choices. As Slice, Cosmo and Garden pizzerias demonstrate a good product trumps the likes of Pizza Hut, Domino's and Little Caesars any day of the week.

Ditto in the world of java. While Dunkin' Donuts (Nags Head and KDH) and Starbucks (Southern Shores) have been successful, local coffee shops appear to be doing just fine.

My regular morning stop is almost always a Front Porch location for coffee (although I readily confess that if I'm hungry, the DD's sausage croissant is added to the mix). This local chain has done so well it added a new and very nice venue in Manteo this past year. Now, its time for the Nags Head location (formerly in the Forbes Candy/Grass Shack strip center) to move to greatly expanded digs at the new Food Lion center, barely a quarter mile up the Bypass.

Here is a view of the construction. It appears the Front Porch is going to occupy both units pictured here if the signs in the window are indicators.

Alas, the spot vacated by the Front Porch in Nags Head will add to the coffee wars. A new shop, operated by former Front Porch roaster/blender Ashley Barnes will replace the departed Front Porch. Regular readers of this blog will remember a post on Ashley from our June offerings. Her new store is aptly named "Morning View".

Damn. Split loyalties! But one must make sacrifices. I'm looking forward to experimenting with whatever new blends Ashley will concoct.

This little area of Nags Head is now the Java Triangle, with Morning View and The Front Porch forming the base, and Dunkin' Donuts along the west side forming the point. Let the games begin!