The Optimist Raleigh

The Optimist Raleigh is an independent, family-owned coffee shop founded in 2020 by Andrew Ward and Robyn Buchholz, nestled between the historic Oakwood and Mordecai neighborhoods at 1000 Brookside Drive, with a second location on Creedmoor Road near Crabtree Valley Mall. The café serves handcrafted espresso drinks, teas, pastries, and breakfast and lunch items, sourcing beans from local partner Black & White Coffee Roasters and collaborating with other beloved Raleigh businesses including Blue Ox Bakery and Trophy Brewing Co. Known for its welcoming, community-first atmosphere and remote-work-friendly environment, The Optimist has grown to include a third concept — WRK by The Optimist — at The Exchange Raleigh, a mixed-use development in Midtown.