The smell of freshly roasted coffee and the sounds of music and conversation await those who enjoy going to coffee shops.
Students on the Winston-Salem State campus have access to this type of atmosphere at Java City on the first floor of the Wilveria Bass Atkinson Science Building.
However, students who want that coffee house setting without the campus environment can go to Krankies coffee located at 211 E. 3rd St.
Located only three minutes from campus on Third Street, Krankies has an environment that downtown employees, Winston-Salem locals, and students can enjoy.
“Krankies is a quiet, relaxed space that roasts its own coffee and provides free Internet,” said Andy Siebert, employee at Krankies for three and a half years.
The coffee shop not only provides its own roasted coffee, but also a variety of drinks, bagels, and cookies. In addition to homemade eats, Krankies offers movie nights, live bands, small group activities, and art exhibits.
“Krankies is a place I have hung out for years,” said Amanda Hollis, who visits frequently, even when she isn’t working. Hollis also has friends at Krankies and she has enjoyed her relationships with them as well as seeing the companies recent increase in popularity.
In addition to being a source of Winston-Salem mainstream and under-ground music and art, Krankies has a unique history.
Originally a meat packing plant, the space was first rented by current occupants and later purchased. The building was first known as the Wherehouse, then PS 211, the Werehouse, and now Krankies. Interestingly, the building it still called the Werehouse.
The initial purpose of the building and the people, as stated on Krankies website is to provide ourselves and the Winston-Salem community and the world at large with a space to experience original and thought provoking art.
And, according to Siebert, it’s not a bad place to work, either.
“It’s one of the best places I’ve ever worked,” he said.