Kunu Coffee Company | Heart, Heritage, and Purpose

Kunu Coffee is more than a café—it’s a community-driven brand with heart, heritage, and purpose.

In a recent podcast interview, co-founders Terrence and Debbie Kidd shared the inspiring journey behind the company’s creation, vision, and growth. From their South African roots to building a beloved local brand across North Carolina, their story is filled with authenticity, resilience, and creativity.

This blog post explores key insights from that conversation, offering a closer look at what makes Kunu Coffee Company so unique—one intentional cup, and one meaningful connection, at a time.

The Kunu Coffee Story

Kunu Coffee is a growing specialty coffee brand rooted in authenticity, community, and connection. At the helm are co-founders Terrence & Debbie Kidd, and Anthony Nunez. Together, they bring a shared vision and deep passion for both exceptional coffee and intentional hospitality.

The brand has quickly expanded, now operating four unique locations across North Carolina: Cornelius, Huntersville, Denver, and Concord. Each café is designed to reflect the character of its community while maintaining the consistent quality and charm that define the Kunu Coffee experience.

The name “Kunu” holds special significance. It originates from a traditional communal drink in West Africa—a symbol of gathering and shared culture.

Coincidentally, “Kunu” is also a fusion of the Kidd and Nunez family names, representing the partnership and personal investment behind the business. This dual meaning reflects both the company’s cultural roots and the founders’ collaborative spirit.

From the name to the neighborhoods they serve, Kunu Coffee Company is all about creating meaningful spaces where people feel welcome, valued, and connected—one cup at a time.

Background & Origins

Terrence and Debbie Kidd, co-founders of Kunu Coffee, bring a rich and inspiring background to their entrepreneurial journey. Originally from South Africa, their story begins with deep family roots and a love for shared spaces. They were part of a family-run business that taught them the value of hard work, collaboration, and the power of local enterprise.

Their move to the United States was driven by both opportunity and purpose. After years of traveling between countries, they made the permanent transition six years ago. The decision was inspired by a desire to create a safer and more secure future for their children.

As new residents in North Carolina, they found themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With entrepreneurial experience and a lifelong appreciation for coffee culture, they began imagining what a coffee company rooted in community could look like in the U.S.

Terrence’s earlier coffee venture in partnership with Anthony laid the groundwork. That experience gave them firsthand insight into running a successful coffee operation while learning the dynamics of customer connection, team leadership, and business scalability.

These foundational years—both in South Africa and in their early American ventures—shaped the vision that would later become Kunu Coffee Company. Their background brings a global perspective, yet their mission remains deeply local and personal.

Vision & Mission

At the heart of Kunu Coffee is a powerful guiding principle: Ubuntu, a South African philosophy meaning “a person is a person through other people.” This ethos shapes every aspect of the company’s identity, from how they serve customers to how they build teams and design spaces.

Kunu Coffee isn’t just about serving great coffee—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. The founders envisioned each café as a “third place,” a welcoming space beyond home and work where people could feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a place to gather, pause, and connect.

Inclusivity is a core value at Kunu. Whether you’re a young parent meeting friends, a remote worker in need of focus, or a retiree catching up over a warm drink, there’s a place for you. Every detail—from the layout of the café to the attitude of the staff—is shaped by the desire to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

The team believes community begins with small interactions: a smile, a familiar face, a remembered order. These touchpoints form the foundation of something greater—a neighborhood network, stitched together by kindness and caffeine.

Through this lens of connection, Kunu Coffee has become more than a brand. It’s a living, breathing expression of shared humanity.

Product Philosophy

Kunu Coffee takes its craft seriously—because every cup is an opportunity to delight, connect, and uplift. At the center of their product philosophy is a commitment to quality, transparency, and creativity.

Their coffee is sourced from a highly respected specialty roaster in Arkansas, chosen not only for flavor excellence but for ethical practices. This roaster maintains direct relationships with farmers, ensuring every bean is traceable to a specific farm and region. That traceability supports sustainable farming, fair pay, and consistently high standards in cultivation and processing.

Kunu’s dedication to quality extends beyond the beans. Each ingredient is selected with care—from local dairy products to small-batch, house-made syrups. Organic options are prioritized, and the team regularly evaluates suppliers to maintain freshness, flavor, and ethical sourcing.

But excellence doesn’t stop at the ingredients—it comes to life in the creativity behind every drink. Kunu’s menu balances familiar favorites with bold, original offerings. A customer might discover a rooibos espresso latte, a nod to the founders’ South African roots, or enjoy seasonal highlights like the toasted snowflake latte.

This artisanal approach means every drink is carefully crafted, not just made. Staff receive in-depth training on brewing methods, flavor balance, and presentation—ensuring every sip is as intentional as the last.

At Kunu, the product is more than a beverage. It’s an invitation to experience something thoughtfully made, passionately served, and rooted in a deeper purpose.

Design & Ambiance

Step into any Kunu Coffee location, and you’ll immediately feel the difference. Each space is thoughtfully designed to reflect the heart of its community—never copied, always curated.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the team embraces individuality. Every store features its own layout, ambiance, and visual personality, shaped by local flavor and neighborhood needs. The goal is simple: create a space that feels like home, yet offers the charm of discovery.

The Cornelius location, in particular, stands out as a labor of love. Co-founder Debbie Kidd personally led the design, infusing the café with warmth, creativity, and intentional details. From whimsical lighting to bold art pieces, every element invites curiosity and comfort. Even the placement of decor—like wire-frame animal heads—tells a story of character, courage, and a little fun.

Across all locations, the vibe is relaxed and inviting. You’ll find cozy corners for quiet moments, open spaces for conversation, and subtle design touches that spark joy. Kunu’s aesthetic strikes a balance between stylish and approachable—making it just as ideal for morning routines as afternoon meetups.

Inclusive by design, Kunu cafés welcome everyone. Whether you’re meeting a friend, working remotely, or simply recharging with a latte, you’ll find a place that fits your pace.

It’s not just about how the space looks—it’s how it feels. And at Kunu Coffee, every detail is crafted to make you feel like you belong.

Photo credit: @livinginlakenorman 

Partnership & Team Culture

At the core of Kunu Coffee is a partnership built on trust, shared values, and resilience. Co-founders Terrence and Debbie Kidd, alongside their business partner Anthony, bring a rare balance of vision and grounded teamwork.

Their collaboration is rooted in mutual respect. Each partner brings unique strengths to the table—Terrence with operations, Debbie with creative direction, and Anthony with strategic support. But beyond their roles, it’s their character that defines the partnership.

Their bond has been tested through the inevitable challenges of business ownership. Rather than divide, those moments strengthened their foundation. In times of stress, they chose communication, honesty, and loyalty—values that now shape the company culture.

This emphasis on integrity flows into every part of Kunu Coffee, especially in how the team is built. Staff aren’t just trained to make great coffee—they’re trained to create great experiences. Every barista learns the importance of consistency, kindness, and connection.

Customer interaction is not a scripted performance at Kunu. It’s a sincere exchange. Team members are encouraged to learn names, remember favorite orders, and greet each guest with genuine warmth.

By cultivating a culture of care, Kunu turns employees into ambassadors and customers into regulars. The team isn’t just delivering coffee—they’re building relationships.

Strong partnerships and a thoughtful team culture are the heartbeat of Kunu Coffee. They fuel its growth, shape its identity, and ensure every visit is both personal and purposeful.

Community & Connection

For many, visiting Kunu is part of a daily rhythm. It’s the friendly smile at the counter, the familiar playlist in the background, and the sense of being known—even in passing moments. These small interactions build something much larger: community.

That spirit of connection extends to the menu. Kunu regularly introduces seasonal drinks and limited-time flavors, offering moments of delight and surprise. Creative combinations like the rooibos espresso latte or the toasted snowflake latte invite customers to try something new while staying grounded in quality.

These offerings spark conversation, inspire exploration, and reflect the evolving tastes of the community. Whether it’s a seasonal special or a long-standing favorite, each drink tells a story—connecting people through shared experience.

In every way, Kunu Coffee is designed to bring people together. It’s a place where strangers become neighbors, and coffee becomes a catalyst for community.

Photo credit: @livinginlakenorman 

Entrepreneurial Insights

The journey of building Kunu Coffee is marked by courage, patience, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. Co-founders Terrence and Debbie Kidd understand that entrepreneurship isn’t a straight path—it’s a winding road, filled with challenges, choices, and growth.

Debbie offers simple but powerful advice: “Just do it.” Her approach reflects a willingness to act, take risks, and learn by doing. Waiting for perfect conditions, she believes, can hold back great ideas. Instead, she encourages future entrepreneurs to take the leap and figure things out along the way.

Terrence brings a complementary mindset. He emphasizes patience, urging aspiring founders to resist the lure of shortcuts. “Don’t take the easy path,” he says. “Take the correct one—even when it’s harder.” That resilience has helped Kunu weather tough moments and stay true to its values.

Both agree that building a business requires deep alignment with your mission. When the vision is clear and shared, decisions become easier, and challenges feel more purposeful. That clarity has helped Kunu remain focused through seasons of change, growth, and refinement.

They also acknowledge that the entrepreneurial road can feel long, especially in the early stages. Progress isn’t always fast, and success takes time. But with steady focus and belief in the process, the path becomes part of the reward.

The story of Kunu Coffee is a reminder that great businesses aren’t built overnight—they’re shaped by grit, vision, and a willingness to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Location-Specific Notes

Each Kunu Coffee location is thoughtfully placed and purposefully designed to serve the unique rhythm of its surrounding community. While the mission remains the same, every café tells its own story.

Huntersville and Denver locations are nestled inside the Lake Forest Church campuses. These welcoming spaces were created through a shared vision between the church and Kunu—to make underused buildings accessible throughout the week. These cafés serve as true community hubs, where guests can gather, work, meet friends, or simply enjoy a quiet moment. With play areas, open green space, and a family-friendly atmosphere, they invite people of all ages to connect.

The Cornelius store stands as the most personalized expression of the brand. As Kunu’s first standalone café, this location gave Debbie creative freedom to shape every detail. The space reflects her unique style, with quirky design elements, soft textures, and thoughtfully placed decor that sparks curiosity and warmth. A recently added outdoor seating area enhances the experience, giving guests space to enjoy their drinks in the fresh air.

In Concord, Kunu Coffee brings its signature hospitality to Gibson Mill Market, a revitalized historic cotton mill turned community destination. Surrounded by local food vendors, breweries, and antique shops, this location offers a lively, multi-sensory experience. It’s a place to spend an afternoon, explore new flavors, and discover the heart of Concord’s growing artisan scene.

While each location feels distinct, they all share the same foundation—welcoming design, exceptional coffee, and a deep sense of community.

Just the Beginning

Kunu Coffee’s story is a testament to the power of purpose, people, and perseverance. Through thoughtful design, exceptional quality, and genuine connection, the founders have created more than a coffee shop—they’ve built a place where community thrives.

Whether you’re visiting for your daily ritual or discovering a new seasonal favorite, every experience at Kunu is rooted in care and intention.

As they continue to grow, one thing remains certain: Kunu Coffee is brewing something truly special—right at the heart of Lake Norman.

Kunu Coffee Company

About the Author:

Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and email newsletter.

When he isn’t working, you can usually find him boating, cycling local greenways & trails, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.

Jeff Hamm
Allen Tate Realtors®
Charlotte & Lake Norman, NC
www.LKNreal.com

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