The Morning Pour: Community, Opportunity, and a Really Good Cup of Coffee ☕

Alexis Cole
Jan 15
3 min read

Some coffee shops are about caffeine. The Morning Pour is about connection.

Founded by lifelong St. Petersburg native and serial entrepreneur Shawntavia Turner, The Morning Pour was created with a clear purpose: to bring community back into the neighborhood—one cup, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.

From neighborhood roots to neighborhood vision

Behind The Morning Pour is a woman who knows how to build things that last. In addition to opening the coffee shop, she owns and operates a real estate brokerage, a mortgage firm, a real estate school, and works as a certified developer with the City of St. Pete—partnering to expand affordable homeownership opportunities.

“At the heart of everything I do is access,” she shares. “Access to opportunity, stability, and ownership.”

When the chance arose to purchase a mixed-use building in Fruitland Heights, she knew immediately it was the right fit. The property allowed her to bring multiple parts of her vision together: affordable housing upstairs, and small business opportunities on the ground floor.

Just as meaningful was the chance to restore a building filled with memories. Longtime residents remember it as Mr. Bailey’s in the 1970s, followed by restaurants, barbershops, and local retail over the decades. Reviving that legacy felt like the perfect way to honor the past while building the future.

The vision behind the cup

The Morning Pour was designed to fill a real need—a quality coffee shop in what had long been a coffee desert. But it’s about more than what’s on the menu.

From the beginning, the goal was to create a welcoming place where neighbors could meet, talk, and share ideas. Along with organic coffee and a thoughtfully crafted menu, the shop offers free Wi-Fi, notary services, and printing with a purchase—making it easy to meet with clients, collaborate, or simply linger a little longer.

“The vibe is cozy, the coffee is quality, and the conversations are meaningful,” she says. “We wanted to be different—and useful.”

A menu rooted in choice and quality

What makes The Morning Pour special is its commitment to organic options and variety. Guests can choose from organic roasts sourced from Brazil, Congo, and Peru, along with decaf options for those who prefer less caffeine without sacrificing flavor.

It’s a menu built for real people, real mornings, and real preferences.

Why representation matters

As a Black woman–owned business, The Morning Pour stands as a visible reminder that ownership matters.

“I want people to see what’s possible,” she says. “Access, opportunity, financial stability—these aren’t abstract ideas. They’re things we can build, right here.”

In just two months, the shop has already been embraced by the community, including visits from local leaders such as the Mayor, Senators, and City Council members. The long-term goal? To become a true neighborhood staple for decades to come.

Must-try favorites

If it’s your first visit, there are two items you have to try:

Greg’s Toast – A nostalgic breakfast favorite inspired by the owner’s oldest brother, who taught her how to make it when she was a kid. It’s comfort, memory, and love on a plate—and now she makes it for her own children, too.
Strawberries & Cream Latte – Sweet, warm, and joyful. The kind of drink you sip slowly and smile through.

Challenges and bright spots

One of the biggest challenges so far has been convincing new customers that a local shop can be just as good—if not better—than national coffee chains. With growing exposure and word-of-mouth, that’s already beginning to shift.

The most rewarding part? The overwhelming support from community leaders and neighbors alike. “That encouragement lets me know we’re doing something right,” she says.

What’s next

The Morning Pour is looking beyond the espresso machine—literally. Upcoming plans include getting more involved in the broader community through vendor opportunities and neighborhood events, bringing the brand and its mission out into the streets it serves.