Soon after former Thailand residents Cherry Coyne and her mother arrived in America 10 years ago, it was easy to imagine the culinary path that would eventually lead them to open the new and wildly popular White Story Cafe in Downtown Wake Forest.
Located in the former cozy, and coveted home of Lemon Tree Cafe - within the busy building it shares with The Burger Shop — and open to rave reviews since June 3 — Cherry, 29, and her family, have created a new Downtown destination loved by all who walk through their doors.
As evidenced by the long lines, limited seating, and guests lining up outside shortly after sunrise, this family-run cafe has become a hot spot. Opening early each day, it attracts Epicurean enthusiasts eager to secure a good spot and a shorter wait time. Perfectly located in the heart of a dynamic Downtown district in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.
Cherry and her mother are no strangers to the restaurant world. Both have years of experience running cafes in their native Bangkok, as well as working in Thai and sushi restaurants in Richmond, Virginia and Rogers Road in Wake Forest.
Now living in Youngsville, the four family members work well together managing all aspects of the operation — from the initial menu creation and finances to the daily high-energy work of serving their customers. Alongside the family, three additional staff members help run the front and back of the cafe — bringing the weekday team to four and expanding to seven on weekends, when business is even more brisk.
The family originally considered opening a Thai restaurant of their own, but market research revealed a better idea.
"We got busy very fast," Cherry said. "It's what people around here need."
Among the most popular homestyle offerings on their menu include Eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, omelettes, and the white club. The turkey with brie and the turkey pesto club are also good choices. Along with their decadent and delicious Thai iced tea, guests can enjoy a fine selection of home-made desserts.
"It's busy during the week but crazy on the weekends," Cherry said. And while the wait can sometimes reach 40 minutes, the affable owner said people don't mind because “it's worth the wait.”
"I honestly want to serve the best food for families and make it feel like home," Cherry said, pointing out the small graphic of a red Monopoly-sized house under the White Story Cafe logo.
After studying English and attending a university in Thailand, Cherry continued her studies at Wake Tech. Her mother initially moved to Richmond, Virginia, where her friends had opened a Thai restaurant.
As for her home near Wake Forest, Cherry said she loves the community and all the people she's met as a server, sushi chef, manager, and now owner. "I am all the time taking care of customers as my family," she said. "I want them to come back and take that goal very seriously." She especially appreciates all those who work downtown and come to eat at White Story Cafe.
Now, as an owner, Cherry says she and everyone at the cafe works to provide excellent food and warm service. With many regulars already, Cherry said, "When customers show their appreciation for what we do, it drives us to keep doing better."
Already Chamber members, the family is planning to hold a grand opening celebration in the coming months.
"We're so glad to have this new cafe in Downtown," said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP). "Together with my colleague Monique Wilkins, I and many others have visited White Story Cafe and have nothing but good things to say. We welcome their contribution to Wake Forest and wish them every success moving forward."
White Story Cafe, located at 113 S. White Street, is open Tuesday-Sunday, serving breakfast and lunch from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to stop by, grab a bite, and tell your story at White Story Café.
