Reidsville coffee house finds its niche

The shiny, sleek red La Marzocco runs like a well-oiled machine, dispensing rich, dark, hot liquid of the coffee and espresso variety.

The machine, manipulated deftly by the likes of owner David Glick, fills mugs with steaming coffee drinks and fills the narrow stretch of space that is Backstreet Buzz with the drink’s signature scent.

Backstreet Buzz is tucked away on Market Street in downtown Reidsville, and for the past two years its owners have been offering up coffee and cuisine like little else this side of Greensboro.

David Glick and Linda Cook wanted to give Reidsville an upscale coffee shop, and in doing so, they were able to realize a years-long dream of operating a place all their own.

Last month, Backstreet celebrated its two-year anniversary.

The coffee aficionados have found a formula for success in a downtown trying to regain a sense of vibrancy. That formula is equal parts quality food and beverage, ambiance, and friendly service. The duo’s ever-present, affectionate black Labrador, Kayla, probably doesn’t hurt either.

Backstreet Buzz offers locals a quality cup of coffee and a place to meet with others or simply just be alone.

“It’s providing a service to the community,” Cook said.

Virtually all the offerings at Backstreet Buzz are products of North Carolina, including Counter Culture Coffee and Ninth St. Bakery bread from Durham and honey from Norton’s Honey Farm in Reidsville.

And if the mostly organic, mostly local fare isn’t enough to lure you, perhaps the quaint comfort will. Overstuffed bright orange chairs flank an equally bright purple couch in a front corner of the shop, while a dozen or so small tables and chairs dot the remainder of the long, skinny length of the shop. Walls showcase local artists’ work. And local musicians offer up their tunes to patrons every weekend.

Regular Dr. William Bradford, better known among his friends at the coffee shop as “Doc,” stops by almost daily for his decaf cappuccino.

“… It’s really amazing to me this place hasn’t caught on more than it has,” he aid.

Bradford brags about the good food – healthy food, he adds – that’s “served in an environment that’s pleasant.”

Aside from the coffee, espresso, mocha, cappuccino and latte staples, hungry customers can partake from a menu of grilled sandwich choices like mushroom, pimento cheese or chicken, as well as fresh soups.

Doc and many of the others who come to Backstreet become more than just customers after engaging in a conversation or two Cook and Glick.

“Many friends come through the door,” Glick said.

Backstreet Buzz is located at 234 SW Market St. in Reidsville. Call (336) 348-2899 for more information.