Big Bean Cafe

The immensely popular Big Bean Café in Newmarket recently opened their second location right here in downtown Durham!  The owners, Jon and Arley Wells, knew when they took over the Newmarket 22-year-old landmark in 2018 that they would be expanding as soon as possible. The larger Durham location allows them to grow their baking capacity and expand their lunch menu.  While the third-generation owners were new to The Big Bean, the couple have been working in the industry for over 20 years and knew a good thing when they saw it.

Living in Portsmouth with their two daughters, Arley and Jon are in either Durham or Newmarket (or both!) every day.  Any successful restaurant owner understands the need to be present in order to be successful.  Also needed is great help which, for this couple, includes their kids and long-tenured staff.  The restaurant prides itself on not only creating menu items from scratch, but also with having staff involvement in new menu creations making them who they are today. 

The Big Bean Durham will have the same menu as the Newmarket location-great news for their loyal patrons.  One difference between the two locations is that the Durham Big Bean offers both traditional table service or order at the counter service.  The counter service, referred to as “Bean Café,” is directly accessible from Sammy’s parking lot and its menu lends itself to the “grab and go” customer.  “The Bean Cafe allows us to incorporate some really creative twists making our take-out line quicker and more transportable,” stated Jon.  With 83 seats in the dining room the restaurant can accommodate larger groups while the Bean Café area offers 25 seats to relax and enjoy your meal.

Hanging on one of the walls is a collage of photos.  In those photos, are pictures of Jon’s grandfather at his own restaurant, the South Boston Café, later to be run by Jon’s father.  Apparently, restaurants are in the family genes!

The Big Bean Durham has been overwhelmed by the positive support from the community and look forward to becoming a welcoming spot for locals to enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast, lunch or late afternoon snack.

The Big Bean Durham is open daily from 7am to 2pm until November when the hours will be extended to 6pm.  The entrance to the restaurant is at 8 Jenkins Court and their menu can be found at www.thebigbeancafe.com.  Of course, you can also find them on Facebook and Instagram or give them a call at 603-815-4965.