Jeffrey Alexander is new to Pittsburgh but somehow managed to stumble onto one of the city’s best-kept secrets, the neighborhood of Morningside. Tucked between Stanton Heights, Highland Park and East Liberty, Morningside’s modest business district is in the early stages of revitalization and Alexander’s
Morning Glory Coffeehouse located at 1806 Chislett St. was just the thing to get the ball rolling.
A year ago Alexander moved from Providence, R.I. where he was the director of a non-profit art space, and opened his coffee shop here on Nov. 1, just as the
Morningside Area Community Council (MACC) was beginning to implement the findings of a recent Business District Market study.
“The coffee shop came in at the perfect time. It is exactly what Morningside needed,” says Grant Ervin, with MACC. “The two things our residents most wanted were a coffee shop and a restaurant and we now have
The Bulldog Grill expected to open this Spring.”
Though only 600 square feet, the small shop feels open and airy. “I wanted to create a community space like the one I left in Providence but on a smaller scale,” says Alexander. In addition to fair trade coffee and locally made baked goods, Morning Glory regularly serves up art openings, free movie nights and live music.
The next event takes place Jan.10 at 6 pm showcasing the work of Belgian artist Bart De Paepe with free refreshments and music provided by DJ Gordy of Vipers Soul Club. If you go, try Alexander’s signature espresso drink, the R.I. Coffeemilk Latte. You’ll think you died and went to Providence.
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Writer:
Lauren UrbschatSource: Jeffrey Alexander, Owner, Morning Glory Coffeehouse
Grant Ervin, President, Morningside Area Community Council
Photograph copyright Brian Cohen