Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews
Overview
Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews is an independently owned coffee shop located at 109 E. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The space functions as a bookstore, a coffee shop and a Spanish-inspired chocolateria. The cafe is commonly known as “Epilogue.”
History
Epilogue is owned by Miranda and Jaime Sanchez and opened on Franklin St. in Nov. 2019. The two owners are both from Chapel Hill and were inspired to open the store after The Bookshop closed in 2017.
Jaime sought to incorporate his Mexican heritage in the store’s menu offerings and atmosphere, while Miranda, a writer, focused on the bookstore aspect of the shop.
The building at 109 E. Franklin St. was previously home to The Frank Gallery until it closed in 2018. The gallery moved into a space in University Place in Chapel Hill.
Atmosphere
A conceptual merging of a bookstore, bakery, coffee shop, and bar, Epilogue’s atmosphere attracts different crowds at different times of the day.
Overall easy going and casual, this downtown spot easily hosts students studying for classes, groups of friends getting together for drinks as well as individuals looking to nestle into a good book. UNC students interviewed by The Daily Tar Heel expressed their excitement toward the atmosphere provided by Epilogue’s many offerings.
A large mural inside of Frida Khalo can be seen from passersby on the street. The colors and materials used in the decor are vibrant and natural, harking back to its Spanish influence.
Fake ivy is strung above large seating areas, and a wooden construction dubbed the “Positivi-Tree” allows visitors to leave positive messages to others in the community.
Sustainability and Impact
Epilogue supports small press authors, focusing on books written by women, people of color, and people who identify as LGBTQ.
All team members of Epilogue are guaranteed a living wage. Orange County Living Wage employer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Epilogue moved all their retail services online, which led to only one of their employees being able to work.
Menu
Epilogue’s menu includes food, drinks and catering.
Epilogue’s chocolate selection is inspired by chocolaterías in Spain and Mexico. They offer chocolate bars, sipping chocolate, chocolate cookies, cocoa tea and cocoa-based drinks.
As for drinks, Epilogue offers coffee, tea and beer. They also offer catering services, where customers can choose from eight different catering packages and a-la-carte options.
Epilogue partners with many local North Carolinian roasters, chocolatiers and brewers to create their menu such as Carrboro Coffee Roasters, Ponysaurus Brewing of Durham, Videri Chocolate Factory, Escazú Chocolates of Raleigh and Black Mountain Chocolate Factory of Winston-Salem.
Events
Epilogue offers space for community members to host a multitude of events, including book clubs, poetry readings, trivia nights, comedy shows, small socials and receptions, private parties, galas and fundraisers.
Artists and vendors can propose events and submit applications to speak and perform at Epilogue.
