The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

All Up in Your Business: Check out the new Three Waters Cafe Franklin Street location

20191009_Katsanis_ThreeWaters-98.jpg

Homemade pastries and coffee sit on the counter of Three Waters Café on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Three Waters Café just opened recently on Franklin Street.

Three Waters Café added a permanent location on Franklin Street this June. 

Originally, the Three Waters Café had only one location at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, but now Three Waters Cafe is open in both locations. The cafe is located in the lobby area of The PIT Chapel Hill.

“I used to bring my own espresso drinks to the farmers market for vendors and all the customers, and it was really, really well received,” said Liliana Pagano, owner and manager of Three Waters Cafe.  

Pagano said the cafe also has many of its roots within her own family.

“Three Waters Cafe is actually an homage to my parents’ farm where I grew up," Pagano said. "My mom makes the bread for the cafe. It's really a pleasure to be able to share the bread that I love with the people here.” 

Originally, the Three Waters Farm sold cheeses, jams, jellies and farm ingredients at the farmers' market, as well as other non-food items like wool and soap. Over time, however, Pagano said she added and tested her homemade espressos and beverages at the market with her parents until she found success.

At the market, she typically serves espresso, cold brew and tea — while at the new Franklin Street location, the cafe also serves smoothies, frappes, more tea, toasts and French pastries, she said.

The cafe prides itself on not only its local origins, but its signature homemade flavors.

“The dark chocolate mocha, chai tea latte, the lavender vanilla latte and the salted caramel latte are all made from scratch," Pagano said. "Those are our best sellers.” 

As well as flavors from scratch, Pagano said many of the ingredients at the cafe are locally sourced from partnerships with businesses around Chapel Hill.

"All of our baked goods come from local companies and have locally sourced ingredients," said Marina Greenfeld, a barista at the cafe.

Pagano said she wants the Three Waters Cafe to continue to expand, but also keep the core values of local partnerships, quality ingredients and original products. 

“We are in the process of developing a marketing strategy that aligns with the company’s objectives," said Leslie Kirk, marketing manager at the cafe. "What we have to look forward to, adding promotions and gaining new partnerships with other businesses in the community.”

Kirk said that she thought the cafe would be a great social location for students.

“We have lots of seats, and it's good that we are connected to the comedy club, which students already have a good relationship with,” Kirk said. “I think the cafe is going to be a good place for students to come.”

city@dailytarheel.com

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.

Special Print Edition
The Daily Tar Heel's 2024 Music Edition

More in Business

More in City & County

More in The OC Report

More in City & State


More in Food Issue

More in Food & Drink