Coffee & Community

Two long-time local baristas have opened an inclusivity-focused coffee truck, and a Galaxy of possibilities, for Columbus

By Molly Hammond / Photos by Sumner Howells / Story Design by Tori Smith

Galaxy Coffee owners Jevonna Morris and Kels Wilson were committed to opening up a queer coffee shop in the heart of Columbus when they officially opened the concept as a truck last summer, but it’s something much more than mochas and flat whites it has been serving up since.

The coffee truck operates as an all-inclusive community space (even without a true brick and mortar storefront, although this is still part of the long-term plan), where people of all ages and those who don’t frequent the bar scene can feel included and connected to others.

Galaxy Coffee received its name after months of brainstorming. Morris and Wilson fretted over a title that would both honor and support the queer community, while also conveying inclusivity and expansion. The name refers to a concept in queer theory that gender is more than a binary or a spectrum—it’s more like a galaxy of possibilities.

“Being the first queer-owned coffee truck in Columbus is exciting, while also nerve-racking,” said Morris, “The feedback we’ve received has been wonderful and kind, with many people saying that they love having a place where they feel like they can just be themselves.”

Morris and the Galaxy Coffee team have given back to the community in more ways than one. A crowd-favorite detail about the Galaxy Coffee truck is its “Community Jar.”

The Community Jar is the truck’s version of a Pay it Forward system, or a Take-a-Penny Leave-a-Penny bowl. As a worker cooperative, each employee makes a living wage and doesn’t take tips. Anytime someone tips, that money is put into the community jar. Customers are allowed to use the money in the Community Jar to get a free cup of coffee or anything else off the menu. This idea was put into action as a way to be more accessible to the community and bring everyone in.

The truck also offered unlimited free drinks at Community Pride last year (in which they more than made up the cost in donations from that day alone) and recently parked close to the State House in April to support those giving testimonies against recent anti-trans bills. During these events, the team received an outpouring of comments and messages expressing gratitude.

“One of my favorite interactions so far was when someone came up to our truck to thank us for existing and being visible,” said Morris. “They anonymously donated a large sum to our Community Jar in honor of their trans kid. It reminds me of why it's still important, and why we're doing this.”

Not only has the community come together extensively since the beginning of Galaxy Coffee to donate to LQBTQ fundraisers, the community jar and more, but they have helped Galaxy Coffee raise money for the truck alone. After a GoFundMe Morris posted in late 2022, the Columbus community helped raise over $9,000 for the business to pay for a new, quieter generator. The new generator was installed in February of this year and has made for a more peaceful coffee experience for both workers and customers.

Galaxy Coffee serves up items like the crowd-favorite Iced Lavender Oat Milk Latte to the delectable, ethically-sourced Mocha. The coffee truck also offers options for tea-drinkers, matcha enthusiasts, chai lovers and more. They have vegan pastries from Happy Little Treats, including chocolate croissants, gluten-free donuts and delectable pop tarts. There’s also a generous serving of community and connection on the menu too.

“Our hope is that through coffee and food, we can bring a source of connection between people,” Morris added. “We hope we’re a little source of joy to someone as they go about their day. If I can pass along my love of catching up with a friend over lattes, then we’ll bring people together one cup at a time.”

To learn more, visit thegalaxycoffee.com