B-Mocha Coffee Shop in Kinston closes abruptly

B-Mocha Coffee Shop, located at 2908 Vernon Avenue, has closed its doors unexpectedly, just two months after its grand opening in March 2024. The sudden closure appears to be a surprise to employees and customers, as a "For Rent" sign now hangs on the building.

Jeffrey and Denise Edwards, the owners of B-Mocha Coffee Shop, initially opened their first location in Williamston, N.C., in March 2023. Transitioning from operating day care centers to owning a coffee shop was a long-held dream for the couple.

Neuse News reached out to B-Mocha Coffee Shop where it was confirmed the Kinston location was closed.

However, the excitement surrounding the Kinston location was short-lived. A comment on the Facebook group Word of Mouth Kinston by Michelle Dixson Dudley highlighted the abrupt nature of the closure. "My daughter works there and they closed and put up a for rent sign without notifying their employees," Dudley stated.

B-Mocha Coffee Shop posted on their Facebook page to dispute Dudley’s words. “We never had employees we only had contractors. Sometimes people tell a story just because it sounds good.”

They also said, “We truly love and appreciate you, Kinston.”

The reason for the abrupt shutdown has not been disclosed, and attempts to reach the Edwards for further comment were unsuccessful.

Publisher’s note: B-Mocha’s responses were added after the article was released.