Lamplighter Roasting Co.

116 S. Addison St., 728-2292; 1719 Summit Ave., 447-2648; 26 N. Morris St., no phone
lamplightercoffee.com

Second Place: Black Hand Coffee Co.

Third Place: Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream

When co-owner Noelle Archibald moved to Richmond from Portland, Oregon, she missed one thing: a tiny, perfect latte each morning. She and her husband, Zachary, joined forces with Jennifer Rawlings from the Hurricane Gaston-devastated 17.5 Ethos Café in Shockoe Bottom to make Nicole’s longing a reality — and for all Richmonders. The trio opened the first Lamplighter in what once was an old gas station on Addison Street near the now-defunct city bus depot. Despite its obscure location, the masses discovered the shop immediately. The company now boasts three spots and a thriving wholesale business. Black Hand Coffee moved its roaster and espresso equipment from Sheppard Street to 3101 Patterson Ave. and lost none of its charm — or its customer base. The funky Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream gave South Side its long-awaited gathering place, with beer, lattes, ice cream and plenty of conversation.