Coffee shop serves up community camaraderie in Blawnox
The Black Canary Coffee & Ice Cream coffeehouse takes its name from a DC Comics character of the same name and it continues to promote community camaraderie in Blawnox.
Look for the heroine’s image on Black Canary T-shirts sold inside the independent java joint at 276 Freeport Road.
Owner Rodney Burrell of Plum likes to stop in to chat with customers.
On a recent Monday, he caught up with regular customer Kaylee Zaremba of Harrison.
“I go out of my way to come here,” Zaremba said.
She usually orders an iced vanilla coffee but likes to mix it up.
“It’s the best-tasting coffee that I’ve found in the Alle-Kiski Valley,” Zaremba said.
Black Canary sources its coffee primarily from two Pittsburgh-area roasters — Mechanic Coffee Company in Verona and Dynamic Coffee Roasters, based on the South Side.
Leandra Cortes of Allegheny County drove by Black Canary countless times, always mentally noting the cafe for a potential future visit.
She finally stopped in and ordered her favorite — an espresso — and relaxed by the window overlooking Freeport Road.
“I wanted to go to a new place. I absolutely prefer small businesses and I like a coffee shop with a personality,” Cortes said. “Niko is really friendly and he makes really good coffee. This place is giving me vintage coffee place vibes.”
Burrell leans on his strong Christian faith as a guiding business principal in his business affairs.
“I give all praise to God,” Burrell said.
Burrell was raised in Churchill and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1997.
He owns several businesses in the marketing, automotive and media industries but thought investing in a coffee cafe would be beneficial for many reasons.
“I like what coffee shops do for the communities. They provide a place for gathering and good conversations,” Burrell said.
The coffeeshop has four separate areas: the main area with abundant natural light, exposed brick walls, wood beams, hard wood floors and seating for about 14; another nook for listening to records and playing free arcade games; a small alcove with a comfy yellow couch; and rear room with several coffee tables.
Zaremba enjoyed a breakfast burrito from Pittsburgh Taco Boys (stocked along with homemade pastries) and added she always feels welcome at Black Canary.
“I feel like they appreciate my business,” Zarmeba said.
The first Black Canary store opened in Springdale but later closed and relocated to Blawnox, reopening in 2023.
“It’s good. The Blawnox community is very supportive and welcomes an independent coffee shop,” Burrell said.
Burrell’s son Niko Burrell, 15, is the main barista four days a week and is enrolled as a sophomore in the virtual academy in the Plum School District.
Lattes are popular, along with macchiatos, cappuccinos, iced coffees, mocktails and chai lattes, Niko said. The ice cream is sourced from Kerber’s Dairy in North Huntington, Westmoreland County and there are eight flavors with Dinosaur Crunch as the top seller.
“I enjoy it. Before, I wasn’t much of a coffee drinker, but I got into it,” Niko said.
Niko spends half his day on academics and the other half as a barista. When he’s not serving up drinks, he excels in track at Plum High School.
The other barista is Keeley Graham.
Burrell touted the power of purchasing from local businesses.
“Right now we are just trying to serve the community of Blawnox, Fox Chapel and Aspinwall and every customer makes a difference to a small coffee shop. If you take one or two days away from patronizing a chain coffee shop — to give an independent coffee shop a try — I think you’ll notice the quality difference and keep us alive,” Rodney said.
The Black Canary Coffee & Ice Cream, 276 Freeport Road, Blawnox.
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Check Facebook for updates on hours and specials.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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