Taste of Diversity’s Meet the Cooks: Larry Stitts, Golden Cup Coffee

Selling coffee was the last thing on Larry Stitts' mind when he took a trip to Africa to set up Buffalo's sister city in Cameroon. There, Stitts became good friends with the mayor, who was also a farmer, who suggested he open a coffee shop. Stitts was initially skeptical.

"We became good friends with him, and he kept at me for about two years. ‘You should do coffee.’ - [but I was] too busy to do coffee," Stitts said.

Stitts finally relented and decided he would give it a shot. He began his coffee quest by practicing brewing at home before going on to become a certified coffee brewer. Eventually, Stitts and his wife Jaqueline decided it was time to take a leap of faith. The Stitts' developed a business plan and a look for the business, and Golden Cup Coffee was born at 1323 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, NY.

"It's been great for us because we have an opportunity to serve our community and do alright for ourselves as well."

That was more than a decade ago. Today, Golden Cup's special blends, flavored coffees, and international pure blends can be found at about 15 places, including the University at Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo State, and the Erie County Medical Center.

Golden Cup Coffee is one of five businesses participating in Erie County's Level Up Taste of Diversity Program at SUNY Erie's South Campus. The program is the brainchild of Erie County Legislator April Baskin. Following the May 14 shooting at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue that claimed ten lives, Baskin decided to create a program that would address some of the issues that were highlighted by the tragic shooting, such as the economic disparities and lack of economic opportunities in communities of color.

The goal of the program is to provide long-term support and guidance for minority and women-owned businesses and also to help prepare businesses to compete for contracts at the new Bills Stadium under construction in Orchard Park. Under the new stadium community benefits agreement, 30% of concessionaires are required to be a local minority or woman-owned business enterprise.

The Bills have committed to a small business grant at the conclusion of the 6-week project, which kicked off on November 27 and runs every Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through January.

Stitts believes the program is good not just for minority and women-owned businesses but for the entire community.

"I think the Chairwoman is doing a great job in bringing us in, and showing our wares and showing that we can do, so when that stadium comes to fruition. We're ready. It couldn't have come at a better time. People will come out and see that we can do things as well."