Another World Is Possible
Step inside Afterglow Coffee Cooperative: Richmond's first worker-owned cafe where fair wages, exceptional coffee, and community values are proving a better service industry is possible.
Dear coffee lovers,
I recently spent a beautiful spring day exploring cafes in Richmond, the state capital of Virginia. A city alive with character and home to a growing community of inclusive, one-of-a-kind businesses.
On a less busy end of the historical Scott’s Addition neighborhood (where you can actually find parking haha), Afterglow Coffee Cooperative occupies a striking red brick building. I’ve visited before, but this time I made a point to slow down and dig deeper into what makes Afterglow so compelling.
What stood out most was their cooperative business model. Founded in 2021, Afterglow holds the distinction of being Richmond’s first official worker-owned business. It’s an inspiring shift in how cafes can operate with shared purpose.
Let’s get a coffee
Step through the glass doors and up the stairs, and you're met with a bright, expansive space filled with greenery, soft lighting, and soaring ceilings. It's the kind of place that welcomes spontaneous drop-ins and intentional catch-ups over a favorite drink.
While waiting in line, I noticed a small group of regulars gathered around the bar—an inviting scene in a space that feels both open and intentional. The layout offers generous seating, anchored by a large roasting facility tucked at the back. Against one wall, a thoughtfully curated selection of natural wines draws special attention.
Espresso is the star here, supported by a tight menu of food, wine, apéritifs, digestifs, and craft beer. I started with a bright, juicy single-origin Ethiopian espresso, followed by a cappuccino made with their house espresso blend. After ordering, I joined the regulars at the bar.
Watching the baristas at work, it was clear that every drink was made with focus, care, and craft. The kind of attention to detail that defines a truly good cafe. And yes, the espresso was dialed in beautifully.
A more equitable future
As I sipped my cappuccino, I struck up a conversation with Eric Mason, one of Afterglow’s five co-founders and the barista on bar that day. I recounted to Eric my first Afterglow visit: I noticed there was no option to leave a tip after ordering. When I had asked about it, the barista who served me explained that Afterglow doesn’t accept tips because every staff member earns a fair, livable wage. That moment stuck with me, and ultimately led me to come back to explore Afterglow’s mission more deeply.
Afterglow’s business model offers several key benefits (outlined in-depth here):
Democratic decision-making for all workers regardless of ownership status.
Pathways toward part ownership, aligning employee interests with the cooperative's success and allowing for wealth sharing.
Competitive, livable wages that eliminate dependence on unpredictable tips.
Part owners share business responsibilities that foster individual growth and knowledge sharing.
Commitment to ethically sourcing coffee, sustainability, and community reinvestment.
Of course, with these benefits also come challenges such as communication, resourcing, and scalability. However, the Afterglow team’s about page eloquently summarizes their ambitious focus:
We believe that we can (and must) build this world - not just for some distant future, but right now; today.
Challenge the status quo
How did this business come to fruition? Like many great coffee projects we’ve covered, the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal in this collaborative venture.
It all started when Lamplighter Coffee, a long time Richmond favorite, temporarily closed their three locations due to the pandemic. All five founding Afterglow members are formerly Lamplighter employees and decided to make a courageously bold move. The Afterglow co-founders acquired Lamplighter’s roasting equipment, wholesale clients, and took over the building lease.
From dream to reality, Afterglow has been operating out of 1719 Summit Ave since 2021. This lean and dynamic team has already established a sturdy foundation with shared values of kindness, trust, and accountability.
Together, Afterglow is ultimately striving to build a better work atmosphere where workers’ basic needs are met and they can thrive. On top of this, their long-term goal is to become a zero waste business. Change is possible, and the Afterglow team is proving this day after day with their business.
👀 Visit Afterglow →
👀 Learn more about this cafe →
I'm truly inspired by this cooperative in Richmond. Beyond their exceptional coffee, the community they've built—both customers and workers—embodies their values. The Afterglow team is breaking down traditional barriers and demonstrates daily that positive change is possible. When in Richmond, stop by Afterglow to support a venture powered by passionate people and for a fantastic coffee experience.
Have a beautiful day,
Jon Hargreaves
Coffee Club Founder/Designer
Editor: Lexi Deverich
Direction: Huey Melendez & Cortez Artis
Photography: Jon Hargreaves
