Proprietors of Pittsburgh Podcast

Know What You're Getting Into | Derek Davies, Owner of Cafe Conmigo

Episode Summary

Inspired by a café that he visited while on a trip to Argentina, Derek Davies decided to launch Café Conmigo in Wexford, PA in early 2021. He saw a need in the North Hills for the type of hip and eclectic community space that he often frequents when he is in Pittsburgh and other major metropolitan areas. As he was building his café in late 2020, which included many additional challenges caused by the impact of the pandemic, Derek realized that he wanted to help the Pittsburgh small business community by featuring locally made products. Today, his shop is a vibrant hub of activity and a welcoming environment for all that visit this warm and inviting place.

Episode Notes

Derek’s inspiration to create Café Conmigo originated from a trip he took to Argentina. It was there that he fell in love with a quaint little cafe, which featured delicious coffee served in a tranquil space and enveloped with ample arrangements of lush green plants. During his time in college, he developed a further affection for Latin American culture through the relationships he nurtured with his many Spanish-speaking friends. Although he attended school in Austin, Texas, he felt as though he was studying abroad due to the highly diverse make-up of the student body. The name of Derek’s coffee shop is Spanish for “coffee with me,” and it pays homage to this significant period of his life.

Derek’s drive to become an entrepreneur began at an early age with his involvement in the family business. His parents’ work ethic made a lasting impression on him, and they often encouraged their son to work for himself. After exploring a few early ventures, including a website that helped university students to buy, sell, and swap textbooks and furniture, he decided to do something that was more suited to his personality. Although he was interested in boutique hotels and restaurants, Derek felt that launching a café allowed him to test his hand at hospitality, albeit in a way that was in better alignment with his current level of food and beverage experience. After consulting with T.J. Fairchild, owner of Commonplace Coffee and a well-known local figure in the café startup scene, Derek built his business and opened his doors in early 2021.

If you have any questions or if you’d like to chat, you can reach me at my contact info below. The purpose of this podcast is to share ideas, inspire action, and build a stronger small business community here in Pittsburgh. So please say hello, tell me what you think, and let me know how I’m doing. It means a ton!

YOU CAN REACH ME AT:

Website: https://www.proprietorsofpittsburgh.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proprietorsofpittsburghpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darinvilano

Phone: 412-336-8247

YOU CAN REACH DEREK DAVIES AT:

Website: https://www.cafeconmigo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeconmigocoffee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafeConmigoCoffee

Email: info@cafeconmigo.com