Kevin McLaughlin, founder and owner of Larema Coffee House, is Rocky Mount’s 2023 Main Street Champion. He was recognized Thursday at the NC Main Street conference in Statesboro.
McLaughlin opened his coffee shop and restaurant three years ago on South Washington Street in downtown Rocky Mount. It is housed in a restored historic former bank that had been long abandoned.
Larema Coffee House hosts an array of community-awareness events and frequently showcases local talent, providing opportunities for all ages and genres of entertainment.
“What a wonderful honor it is to be chosen to represent Rocky Mount as this year’s NC Main Street Champion!” McLaughlin said. “Getting to serve this amazing community by holding safe space for all to come together over delicious beverages, foods and experiences is nothing short of a dream come true.”
“Thank you to the city and to every person who has supported Larema Coffee House along this journey,” he said. “Now, let’s keep up the important work of building a more lively, enjoyable, beautiful, and inclusive downtown!”
Downtown Development Manager Kevin Harris said McLaughlin is a “valued member of downtown and all of Rocky Mount.”
“Through his persistence and commitment to downtown, he has been instrumental in attracting a diversity of visitors and patrons of all ages and all walks of life, energizing a formerly underdeveloped section of downtown,” Harris said. “He champions all things downtown and can be counted on by fellow downtown merchants for his participation, support and encouragement.”
The city of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. The city was recognized as one of 10 winners nationwide of the 2020-21 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s 875 employees serve approximately 54,000 residents daily.
The city’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services. To learn more, visit www.rockymountnc.gov for news and updates.