DRIFT, a café inspired by coastal culture, will open its latest Coffee Shop & Kitchen at Horseshoe at Hub RTP in Durham on November 12. The location will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering food and drinks in a modern setting designed for community and relaxation within Research Triangle Park.
Michael Powell, co-founder and owner of DRIFT, described the company’s goals: “Our vision for DRIFT has always been about more than great coffee. We want to create spaces where people can slow down, connect and be inspired—whether they’re grabbing a morning flat white, getting lunch or stepping out of the office to reset for the afternoon. Horseshoe at Hub RTP captures that balance between progress and presence that we’ve been chasing since day one.”
Founded by brothers Michael and Ben Powell after their travels through Australia and New Zealand, DRIFT aims to blend wellness with café culture. Since opening its first shop in Ocean Isle Beach in 2014, DRIFT has expanded to 12 locations across North Carolina.
The new Horseshoe site marks an expansion for DRIFT as it starts an in-house coffee roasting program. The company began construction on its Wilmington roastery in fall 2025 and plans to start roasting beans in 2026.
Menu offerings include premium coffees along with breakfast sandwiches, bowls, salads, and other lunch options. Customers can order ahead using the app or website for pickup or delivery.
Carolyn Coia, vice president of real estate at Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina, said: “DRIFT brings a welcoming, uplifting space for guests to recharge or connect outside of the office. It embodies the kind of thoughtful, community-driven experiences we envisioned for Horseshoe, creating places that make RTP not just a place to work but a place to belong.”
With this opening, DRIFT is also launching a catering service aimed at businesses within Research Triangle Park. The catering menu features boxed meals and customizable packages for offices and gatherings.
Horseshoe at Hub RTP serves as a central area within Hub RTP that includes office space, restaurants, retail stores and outdoor amenities such as greenspace with trails. More information about leasing opportunities can be found at https://horseshoeatthehub.com.
Hub RTP is being developed as downtown Research Triangle Park with plans for up to one million square feet of workspace along with residential units and green areas. Further details are available at https://hub.rtp.org.
For updates or online orders from DRIFT Coffee Shop & Kitchen at Horseshoe at Hub RTP (3151 Elion Dr., Suite C), visit driftcoffee.kitchen.
