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Nashville, TN

Supporting the permanent build-out of a locally owned café serving as a cultural and community hub.

• Community-driven space: Evolved from a makerspace break room into a neighborhood hub.
• Locally sourced and crafted: Uses locally roasted coffee and house-made syrups and serves made-to-order meals.
• Longstanding presence: Operated for seven years with strong local support and consistent growth.
• Future expansion plans: Aims to open a second location and provide team ownership pathways.
• Creative and cultural integration: Showcases local art and supports Nashville’s creative community.

The Loading Dock is a community-focused café in Nashville, Tennessee that began as part of a makerspace and grew into a welcoming neighborhood hub. Originally a place where artists and small businesses congregated during their breaks, it evolved into a full-service café under the leadership of Juan Vega-Romero and Amanda Reece in 2018. Today, The Loading Dock serves freshly made coffee, espresso, breakfast, and lunch using locally sourced beans and teas, with all syrups and flavors made in-house. In addition to food and drink, the space showcases locally produced art and crafts and hosts occasional evening events, offering a creative and inclusive “third space” for the community.

Funds raised will support the build-out of their newly secured permanent location, with the capital going toward interior renovations, materials, and the purchase of equipment and initial goods. This expansion ensures the café can continue offering its unique, community-driven experience in a space it can finally call its own. With aspirations to open a second location in the Buchanan Arts District and create future ownership opportunities for employees, The Loading Dock is laying the groundwork for continued community integration and sustainable growth in the coming years.

Company Info

The Loading Dock is a Nashville café offering locally sourced food and drink while serving as a welcoming community gathering space.

The Loading Dock is a community-centered café located in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its locally roasted coffee, house-made syrups, and commitment to supporting local artists. Originally part of a makerspace in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the café evolved into a full-service establishment after Juan Vega-Romero and Amanda Reece took ownership in 2018. Their mission is to provide a warm, welcoming “third space” for guests to gather, relax, and connect, while offering fresh-to-order breakfast, lunch, and occasional evening events.

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and community involvement, The Loading Dock serves as a hub for neighborhood interaction and creative exchange. Now permanently located in the Buchanan Arts District, the café is undergoing interior renovations and expanding its offerings with a long-term goal of opening additional locations. The owners also aspire to empower future hospitality entrepreneurs by creating ownership pathways for staff.