Roxboro Shop Offers Coffee, Community, Connections – OD on Coffee
OD on Coffee baristas Allyshea, Carly, and Jasmine serve their customers on a busy summer afternoon. By Phyliss Boatwright
On a recent afternoon, I met a long-time friend for coffee. It was still summer in Person County, so we had iced lattes. We sat – for hours – and we talked and caught up on each other’s lives. And we enjoyed the atmosphere of the inviting coffee shop where we usually meet. We both love OD on Coffee in Uptown Roxboro. Aside from offering great drinks and treats, along with friendly and efficient service, owner Vanessa Dorazio and staff just make this a fun, welcoming place to hang out.
The coffee shop first opened in February 2023, on Depot Street, in the Newell Building. Thanks to the customer base, the business quickly outgrew that space, and moved to its current location on North Main Street. Vanessa said she decided to make the move because “the business had outgrown its original space. What started as a cozy small spot quickly turned into something bigger than [she] expected – in the best way of course.” She continued, “I was noticing more foot traffic, larger orders coming in, and a growing number of loyal guests. It became clear that to keep up with the demand and continue offering the kind of service and experience I’m proud of, I needed more space, more help, and a setup that matched our momentum.”
Making the move took months of planning and intention to execute, Vanessa explained. She said she wanted a new location that could support the shop’s growth, but still feel personal and community focused. “I worked to create a space that felt like ‘me,’ just with more room to breathe and better flow. I also communicated openly with our customers through verbal and social media updates throughout the process, so they would feel included in the journey. The transition was a big step, but it allowed us to grow without losing the heart of what makes the shop so special: community and consistency.”
Vanessa said she first chose to locate her business in Roxboro because of “its small-town charm and sense of community. I saw the potential in becoming a part of a growing community that values connection, comfort, and good quality – everything I wanted my shop to represent. I knew Roxboro was the place where a community-focused coffee shop would become a part of people’s daily routine.”
And it has become a mainstay for many in the area. That is evident on any visit. People of all ages gather in the cozy shop, or visit the drive-through window for their daily caffeine fix. And they are always greeted with a warm smile and gracious service.
The owner said she was thrilled by the amount of support she and her business have received from other businesses in town.
“From the beginning, there has been a strong sense of mutual support. We all understand that when one small business does well, we all do better. We as small businesses have teamed up together to help with seasonal events, cross promoting, and just everyday word-of-mouth referrals,” she said. “Whether we are using local products in the shop, participating in local events, or just sharing each other’s posts on social media.”
Vanessa added, “A sense of community means knowing I’m not alone. It’s about showing up for each other – lending a helping hand, offering encouragement when one of us doesn’t think we can keep doing it, and just being present. It’s in the everyday moments of knowing you get to say good morning to your regulars and know them by name, noticing when they are absent for a few days and then checking in with them to make sure they are OK. It’s building relationships and new friendships. It’s creating a place where people feel welcome, seen, and valued.”
I asked Vanessa what led her to open a coffee shop. She said, “I have always loved coffee and how locally-owned shops bring people together, creating a sense of comfort and connection. What really pushed me to finally take the leap was a mixture of passion, a lot of purpose, and an amazing family who pushed me to follow my dream.”
She, her husband, and her daughter put in a lot of time and effort to get the shop up and running. It was quickly evident, however, that more help was needed to meet the growing popularity of OD on Coffee. Vanessa now has a staff of five full-time and four part-time employees.
With that larger staff and space, Vanessa said she is excited and proud of the chance to grow into everything she and her family dreamed their business could be. “The move wasn’t just about more space,” she said, “it was about expanding our ability to serve our community, host more events, support a growing team, and keep creating that welcoming environment our customers have come to love.”
The move also allowed the OD on Coffee staff to add new treats to the menu. “Along with our coffee and espresso drinks,” Vanessa said, she “added some exciting new offerings to the menu,” including Lotus Energy Drinks, signature lemonades, coffee flights and alcohol.
She said, “My staff and I are always looking for fun, creative ways to keep the coffee shop experience fresh, and keep up with the latest trends.”
The most popular drink has been the Concoction, Vanessa explained. It has consistently been a customer favorite since it was created in the fall of 2023, by her niece. “It really stands out because of its unique flavor profile (honey, vanilla, and brown sugar) and how well it balances both comfort and creativity,” she said.
“I’m proud of how far we’ve come—from our early days with just myself, daughter, and husband to now building something bigger, together. Watching the new space come to life; knowing it’s because of the support of our amazing community and the hard work of my team, is incredibly rewarding. It was a big step, and it means a lot to be growing right here with the community that helped us get started,” Vanessa stated.
Before opening the coffee shop, Vanessa, her daughter, and her husband all had experience working in customer service, which she said afforded them a strong foundation in customer service, day-to-day operations, and building relationships within the community. “That background really helped us understand the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, managing inventory, and staying organized behind the scenes,” she explained. “It also taught us how to work together as a team, handle challenges, and stay focused on the customer experience – all of which translated naturally into running a successful coffee shop.
701 N Main St
Roxboro, NC 27573
(336) 647-5157
ODOnCoffee.com
