This video story was reported and produced by Cheyenne Pagan.
Robyn Matthews couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw 42 cars wrapped around her 200-square-foot business, White Duck Espresso.
After opening in April, the small, family-owned coffee shop took off with the people near the store on U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. Many locals put their trust in Matthews’ hands during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think it’s been really helpful for people to go somewhere where they feel safe. And that they’re doing something in their day, especially in the beginning when everything shut down, people just needed something to do in a day,” Matthews said.
Yet, the reason behind the opening of White Duck Espresso was more than just a place to get coffee. After losing her 2-year-old son in 2010 to a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma, Matthews decided to open her coffee shop dedicated to her son.
Partnering with the charity Beat Childhood Cancer, Matthews has managed to keep the memory of her son alive. With every purchase, a portion of the sale goes to Beat Childhood Cancer. The nonprofit organization was parent-founded and led, leading to new clinical trials and research in over 45 hospitals across North America.
For Matthews, the business kept her connected to her son’s memory.
“I needed a way to still be his mom. That’s what he had given me, to be his mom. And the only way I could think to do that was to change this story for the next family,” Matthews said.
White Duck Espresso is stocked with over 75 different flavors and locally roasted coffee. With so many flavors and drink options from an americano to a marshmallow mocha and their plant-based energy drinks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
“The community is the reason why for that, and our baristas. We couldn’t do any of this without the amazing team we have. That will be our legacy,” Matthews said.
White Duck Espresso is open on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 7p.m. and weekends from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
