Angel Falls Coffee Company has become a fixture of Highland Square in Akron, Ohio. The café, which opened around 1996, offers a cozy interior filled with armchairs and books, encouraging patrons to linger over coffee or tea.
Local Roots and Community Impact
Co‑owner Jim King says the shop’s busiest period comes in the summer, when residents are more likely to walk to the café at its 792 W. Market St. location. “The community has changed a lot,” King noted. “It’s more of a walkable neighborhood than it was before, and what is great about this neighborhood is that it has inspired things like PorchRokr, and before that, we did a lot of festivals in the Square.”
King and his partner Rafael Oletta, who is Venezuelan and comes from a family of coffee growers, blend their tastes in the menu. King prefers tea, while Oletta brings a coffee‑centric perspective. The shop roasts its own beans, and King recommends first‑timers try the light‑roast specialty coffee.
Family History and Work Ethic
The idea for Angel Falls began when King returned to Akron 32 years ago to care for his elderly parents. He continues to work long hours, often arriving at 2 a.m. and staying open until 9 p.m., with days ranging from 14 to 20 hours of operation, seven days a week, except for Christmas Day.
Despite political instability in Venezuela that limits access to original beans, the café still serves hot chocolate made with Venezuelan chocolate pieces and spices, preserving a connection to Oletta’s heritage.
Neighborhood Challenges and Hope
King expressed concern that some residents feel uneasy about recent activity in Highland Square, saying, “Some people are frightened of the Square now, so they don’t come into it. And that’s unfortunate.” He emphasized the neighborhood’s diversity, noting that people from a range of income levels— from modest homes to large mansions— gather at the café, creating a shared community space.
He hopes ongoing beautification projects will encourage more foot traffic and strengthen the sense of belonging that Angel Falls has fostered for decades.
Practical Information
Angel Falls Coffee Company is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The café can be reached at 330‑376‑5282, and updates are posted on its Facebook page.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
