Parisa Burton 
Located in the heart of the South End at 319 Orange Road in Montclair, Sankofa Cafe, is a neighborhood spot with a loyal following. The cafe’s soft launch in July 2024 coincided with the town’s African American heritage parade, a symbolic nod to the Black and woman-owned business behind it. While unplanned, owner Jessica Troupe described it as “supposed to happen.” Read on to learn about the history, offerings, and charm of this hidden gem and why it deserves a spot on your radar immediately.
How Sankofa Came About
Sankofa began as a concept on Jessica Troupe’s personal Pinterest board that she periodically added to while raising her four children just around the corner from the cafe. She had long felt a calling to open up a coffee shop right in the South End, as she was drawn to its rich history as a cultural hub. Jessica was a longtime social worker, so community is close to her heart, and part of what she envisioned in creating a cafe.
“All the things I had been dreaming about came out so much better than I had on my Pinterest board,” Jessica told us. “It’s been a labor of love for years and took many years to even think about opening, so I’m happy with the result.”
Read More: A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Montclair + Bloomfield
The name “Sankofa” comes from the Akan language of Ghana and translates to “go back and get it,” symbolized by a bird looking backwards. Jessica describes it as using your ancestors’ wisdom to guide your future. She found this especially meaningful in the South End with its rich history of Black and brown communities, and wanted to create something new that honors the traditions of the neighborhood. This branding flows throughout the cafe, from the inside out.
As Jessica puts it, “I can’t tell you the number of people in Montclair who have never been to the South End. It’s important for me to highlight this area and show people how beautiful it is.”
Hyperlocal Sourcing: From Coffee to Pastries
Jessica, who is originally from Harlem, knew from the start that she wanted to weave this part of herself into the cafe by intentionally partnering with a Harlem-based roaster. She sees many similarities between Harlem and the South End, so including this representation was always a part of her vision. While the beans are sourced from local coffee communities abroad, paying fair prices is central to the cafe’s mission.
See More: A Guide to the Coffee Shops of Hoboken
As for food, Sankofa’s pastries come from the local bakery Le French Dad Boulangerie on Church Street in Montclair, empanadas from Bloomfield and Belleville bakeries, and crepes from its neighbor Crepes Chantal just down the street on Orange Road.
If you’re not sure where to start, the pistachio iced matcha is a must for matcha lovers who enjoy a nutty twist. For a non-caffeinated option, try the immunity tea if you like a hint of spice to kick off the day. On the food side, the banana bread and beef empanada are also must-tries.
The drinks and food stand out because of the baristas constantly creating inventive combinations, and the hyperlocally sourced ingredients that give every sip and bite a true taste of the community.
“It’s really meaningful that I know the people that I am buying from and who are buying from me,” Jessica said. “It was part of my dream that we would be hyperlocal with our sourcing.”
Community-Focused Cafe
Sankofa stands out most for its authenticity and community-forward approach. When you step inside, you aren’t just grabbing a coffee or bite; you’re entering a haven where creative expression thrives. The cafe has hosted live music, open mics, book readings, and art events where the community comes together to share poems, sing, play instruments, and showcase its work in a space that celebrates everyone.
“It’s such a safe space that you don’t need to be a professional, and folks are just so welcoming and affirming,” Jessica said. “And that’s the spirit that I want for this space.”
Looking ahead, Jessica shared that the cafe will be hosting game nights, karaoke, Black history trivia, and art talks and crawls. Overall, her goal is to bring both an educational and fun element to cafes in Montclair.
Be on the lookout for upcoming events by following @sankofacafe_nj on Instagram.
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Montclair updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
