The scent of freshly ground espresso beans drifts through the air as customers settle into worn leather chairs, open laptops and conversations buzz softly in the background. Inside the neighborhood coffee shop, the atmosphere feels less like a business and more like a gathering place where strangers become regulars and regulars become friends. 

At 7 a.m., the mourning rush begins. Baristas move quickly behind the counters, steaming milk, and taking orders while a playlist mixed with Christian Folk and Pop rocks plays through the speakers. Customers line up for coffees and pastries before going to work or school. 

Unlike chain coffee shops built around speed and convenience, Refugee built its identity around individuality. 

“Our goal is to have an environment that is welcoming to anyone and for them to feel as though this is their place,” said Ben Anterton, general manager of Refuge Coffee. “When you come in you will be greeted by a warm smile and a great atmosphere.” 

Since its opening in 2010, Refuge has been a shop dedicated to selling authentic coffee beans and showing the difference in, not just the way the bean is roasted, but the region it’s from. With two locations- one in downtown Fairhope by Coastal Community college and one next to Thomas Hospital, and a third located in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, refuge has become popular across all demographics.

Refugee offers a variety of different drinks and food options, and even includes alternatives for those with any allergies. “It’s nice to be able to enjoy some of the stuff that I used to, especially since most places around here do not sell gluten free options,” said Lilly Argo, regular customer. 

Baristas measure the coffee perfectly to achieve its unique and rich flavor. Even if one ingredient is a gram off, it could make the biggest difference in a cup of coffee.  

Refugee handmakes specialty syrups in-house and regularly changes seasonal flavors. “My personal favorite seasonal rotation is around November when they release their pumpkin spiced latte,” said Rachel Partin, regular. 

The shop has recently become especially popular among younger adults looking for spaces that feel creative and calm rather than commercialized and loud. “It’s a very nice place to come in, have a chat with a friend and then get right back into studying for finals,” Argo said.

While Refugee coffee may have a unique taste, offering an aesthetic and calming atmosphere is imperative. “Making sure the customers are happy and comfortable. That is what I want people to remember,” Anterton said. 

Barista Payton Bond began working at Refugee in November of 2025. Bond agrees with Anterton.

“This has been one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had. The vibes are great and I look forward to coming into work everyday.” 

As the afternoon sunlight filters through the front windows, customers gather around wooden tables with coffee in hand. Some read books, some chat quietly with their friends and others study for exams. The cozy rustic feel and specialized coffee makes Refugee Coffee more than an ordinary coffee shop. 

For Anterton, Refugee wasn’t started for personal gain. “We genuinely wanted to create an environment where people felt safe and could connect to each other, hence the name ‘Refugee’.”