Inside Black Cap Coffee & Bakery of Vermont
Black Cap Coffee & Bakery of Vermont is known for specialty coffees and drinks, house-made pastries, and delicious breakfast and lunch options. Their cozy atmosphere is a welcoming place to enjoy a morning coffee and pastry or a satisfying lunch break. Notably, it's a women-owned and operated establishment, adding to its appeal.
We interviewed owner Laura Vilalta to delve into her journey of acquiring Black Cap and navigating the challenges brought by COVID. And what would an interview be with a coffee shop owner if we didn't ask about favorites?! She highlights her personal favorite coffee and baked goods combination, sure to draw in Vermonters eager to experience the breakfast duo firsthand.
Address:
42 Church Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am - 7pm
Saturday: 8am - 7pm
Sunday: 8am - 7pm
Website: Black Cap Coffee & Bakery of Vermont
Tell us a little bit about who you are and then the story behind Black Cap Coffee & Bakery of Vermont.
Well, it's a kind of fun story. You can hear in my accent that I'm not originally from here. I am from Barcelona. I came to the United States in 2010 when I was 48 years old with three kids who were ski racers. We were on a one-year adventure for them to enroll in the local high school and continue ski racing. This was supposed to be a one-year experience, and instead of sending the kids alone, I went with them. Vermont introduced me to a whole new lifestyle. I loved being outside here, and I was particularly impressed with the seasonal changes. You sit on a chair, and the world around you transforms dramatically. It's black and white one day, and the next, it's green and blue and bright. It's not so radical in Spain where I am from. After one year, I did not want to leave. We decided to stay in Vermont. The next year, a friend of mine introduced me to the owner of Black Cap coffee shop in Stowe, which was up for sale. That is how it all started! I purchased the Stowe business in December 2012. I have learned a lot since 2012. I did some experimenting–trying to manage the business myself, having two managers, and having zero managers. I navigated the challenges of owning more than one location after I opened a shop in Morrisville in 2017. Then, in July of 2020, I was offered the Church Street location, and I couldn't resist. Church Street is one of my favorite places to be
in Vermont. Now, we have four locations, a handful of managers, a ton of baristas, and a bunch of bakers. We’re proud to be women-owned and women-managed.
Is there a certain style of coffee that you drink every day?
I enjoy Earl Grey tea and black coffee in the morning and herbal tea at night. I like light roasts more than dark roasts. When I want to treat myself, I have an eight-ounce maple latte made with oat milk. And I love our pastries. Our talented bakers make amazing treats.
What's your favorite pastry?
Any of our croissants! I like the maple croissant and the almond croissant, too. I love the new one with sausage, peppers, mozzarella, and caramelized onions–it's a replacement for a sandwich. It's amazing.
What's your favorite place to eat in Burlington?
I am a little posh, and I save it for occasions, but my favorite restaurant in town is Hen of the Wood. I also like Pokeworks next door for lunch (if I am not having a fabulous croissant from Black Cap). Ken’s Pizza across the street is good, too.
What's your favorite place to shop?
I love Dear Lucy because I can find shoes that are appropriate for Vermont weather. I also like to support our neighbors at Outdoor Gear Exchange across the street and the Catamount Store on our left. I also enjoy the jewelry store Von Bargen’s.
What do you love most about the Church Street Marketplace?
Church Street has a special charm. In the winter, it's a beautiful wonderland covered in a blanket of snow with an enormous Christmas tree and twinkling lights everywhere you look. In the summer, it is a bustling pedestrian street with local vendors, outdoor seating, and performers at each corner. Church Street is fabulous at any time of the day or year. All four Black Caps are in a pedestrian-oriented place. I come from Europe, where shopping is about walking around and looking into windows. So, when I came to Vermont and found Church Street, it felt like home. I've traveled a lot in my life, but the view of the Adirondacks beyond Lake Champlain is outstanding. Burlington really is an exceptionally beautiful city in a gorgeous state. I am glad I found it.
With a variety of coffees, handmade pastries, and yummy breakfast/lunch options, Black Cap Bakery of Vermont is just the place for a mid-day indulgence! You can visit Laura and her team at 42 Church Street during the following business hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am - 7pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am - 7pm
Stay tuned for more upcoming interviews with our amazing Church Street Marketplace business owners. They are the heart of the Marketplace, and we're looking forward to sharing more of their stories. To read through previous blog posts, please click below.
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