Dorian Bolden, 31, owns and operates Beyu Caffé, a unique coffeehouse, restaurant, and bar with live music in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Beyu Caffé has been featured in over 20 publications and television shows such as My Carolina Today. It has received many awards including the Downtown Durham Retail Business of the Year, Triangle Business Journal’s Space Award, Best Place to Hear Jazz and Blues in the Triangle, and Best Vegan Dessert in Durham’s first Bull City Vegan Challenge.
Dorian, a Duke alumnus, began a successful career on Wall Street as a Senior Financial Advisor. However, in 2004 after the simultaneous life changing sudden loss of his father and layoffs of several close colleagues, Dorian reevaluated his life and purpose. He decided to open his dream cool coffeehouse. Over 5 years, Dorian moved to NC, worked at restaurants and researched to learn the industry. By April 2009, he had raised $500K to open Beyu Caffé during one of the toughest economies recorded. In December 2009, Beyu Caffé opened and has become a downtown Durham staple of business leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, artists and Durham residents.
Dorian is married to his college sweetheart, Dr. Taineisha Bolden, and they have a beautiful two-year-old daughter, Nahla.