Brian Roberts, owner of Good Karma Coffee // Photo by Sarah Sipple
Good Karma Coffee’s grand opening was a momentous occasion, a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Kicking off on the first day of Black History Month, the café’s debut felt like more than just an opening—it was a statement. The air buzzed with excitement as guests sampled rich, flavorful drinks and browsed the Black-owned goods in the connected retail space, The Black Pantry.
The design of Good Karma is intentional—inviting and communal. It’s a place that encourages conversation, and that was evident from the way people engaged with one another. Aside from the occasional photo or video, most guests were completely present, caught up in conversation, laughter, and connection. It felt like the kind of third place Kansas City has been waiting for.
The Pitch had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Roberts, owner of both The Black Pantry and Good Karma Coffee, to talk about his journey, his vision, and what he hopes to build.
The Pitch: What inspired you to create Good Karma Coffee?
Brian Roberts: I wanted to build something that reflected Black culture while elevating the coffee experience. When I came back to Kansas City after living in California for 10 years, I saw a lack of diverse, creative spaces. I wanted to change that. Good Karma isn’t just about coffee—it’s about community. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen and valued while also showcasing Black-owned products in a meaningful way.
Good Karma Coffee // Photo by Zach Bauman
You opened on the first day of Black History Month—was that intentional?
I actually wanted to open in October to catch the holiday traffic, but delays with permits pushed us back. At some point, I just threw a date out there, and it ended up being February 1. Looking back, it couldn’t have been more perfect—Black History Month, the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, great weather. It all aligned.
Good Karma feels different from other coffee shops. What sets it apart?
For one, we’re not just doing your standard vanilla latte. We’re pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be and incorporating flavors inspired by Black culture like Banana Pudding, Strawberry Mocha, and Candied Yams. We’re also working on a whole line of cornbread drinks. Coffee should be an experience, not just a transaction. We want people to slow down, explore, and discover.
Beyond coffee, what else can guests expect from Good Karma?
We’re working on getting our liquor license so we can introduce a curated selection of Black-owned wines and beers. We’ll also have a mocktail menu because I think non-alcoholic beverages deserve just as much creativity. We want this space to be dynamic—private events, industry nights, art shows, pop-ups. There’s so much we can do.
You also run The Black Pantry. How does Good Karma complement it?
The Black Pantry is all about putting Black-owned brands in front of people in a way that feels natural. With Good Karma, we get to do that on another level. People come in for coffee, and while they’re waiting, they browse the retail space. It’s an ecosystem. Instead of telling people to support Black businesses, we make it effortless.
Good Karma Coffee // Photo by Zach Bauman
What’s your long-term vision for Good Karma?
Sustainability. I don’t want this to be a moment—I want it to be a movement. A lot of businesses open with a splash and fade away. We’re focused on building something that lasts by maintaining exceptional quality, keeping the experience fresh, and making sure this space stays rooted in the community.
Finally, what does Good Karma mean to you?
It’s a mindset. It’s about putting good energy into the world and seeing it come back. It’s about showing up for the community, creating a space where people feel welcome, and giving Black culture the visibility it deserves. If we do that right, the rest will follow.
Good Karma and The Black Pantry are located at 3134 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, MO 64109.
