Beyù Blue owner hopes Duke University expansion will promote inclusivity

A Durham business owner is hoping to expand his business and return to the campus he called home at the same time.

Posted 2:24 a.m. Jul 26, 2018 — Updated 2:24 a.m. Jul 26, 2018

Candace Sweat

, WRAL reporter

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham business owner is hoping to expand his business and return to the campus he called home at the same time.

Dorian Bolden makes the transition from boss or barista with ease and he’s confident the expansion from Downtown Durham onto Duke University’s campus will be done in similar fashion.

“One of the things that Duke taught me is it taught me to have a level of confidence, integrity that I can step into any room and be around anyone and I was equal, no matter what color they were,” Bolden said.

Bolden, a Duke graduate, will soon open Beyù Blue Coffee in the very campus he calls his alma mater.

“It ended up being kind of a perfect match to come back on campus,” he said.

The coffee shop at Duke’s Bryan Center is an expansion of Beyù Caffè on West Main Street, a popular spot in the community for nearly 10 years.

Bolden said he is aware people are watching and, as a black business owner, it goes beyond the bottom line.

“To create this level of community conversation, community inclusiveness on campus is exciting,” he said.

Beyù Blue Coffee with replace Joe Van Gogh Coffee, which cut ties with the Duke University after two workers were fired following a complaint about rap music.

On the heels of that controversy, Bolden believes the new beginning will foster great relationship and inspire others.

“You can be on the campus of Harvard or UNC Chapel Hill or any other predominately white institution that I think it goes back to the basis of working hard and also providing a great product and you don’t have to compromise who you are,” he said.

Beyù Blue Coffee is expected to open in August.

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