Crema Brew- New Bern, NC - The Sociable Adventurer

For one of the most genuinely beloved coffeehouses in New Bern, NC, Crema Brew is a real treasure. Set in the historic Five Points neighborhood on Broad Street in Craven County’s county seat, this charming family-owned coffeehouse has been a community hub since opening in February 2019. Founded by Donovan and Roxanne Zook, who moved from Florida with a long-held dream of running a coffee shop, Crema Brew offers a remarkable selection of fair-trade organic coffees, hand-pressed pies, and homemade baked goods — all served inside a beautifully restored historic building with exposed brick and vintage decor. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for Crema Brew before you go — or to relive the visit after.

From Florida to Five Points — Donovan and Roxanne Zook’s Story

The story of Crema Brew begins with Donovan and Roxanne Zook — a couple whose journey to New Bern traces back to a late-1970s romance that began in Oregon, after Roxanne moved from Alaska. After more than a decade in Florida, the Zooks relocated to eastern North Carolina in 2016 with a long-held dream: to open a coffee shop that could bring a community together.

Before opening, the couple immersed themselves in their new hometown. Donovan went to work at a local Starbucks to learn the trade; Roxanne, who had homeschooled the couple’s four children, took a job at a nearby longtime sandwich shop. Their dream began to take shape, but they faced one important question: where to open. The answer turned out to be unexpected: Five Points, the historic gateway neighborhood just west of downtown New Bern, with a rich African American heritage. Local advice was largely against the choice. Multiple people told the Zooks not to open at Five Points, but the couple saw potential that others didn’t. Today, Crema Brew has become a centerpiece of that very revitalization.

Revitalizing a Long-Vacant Building

The building that now houses Crema Brew is one of the most distinctive in the Five Points neighborhood — a former gas station with a triangular lot, exposed brick walls, and the kind of historic character that’s increasingly rare in modern coffee shops. When the Zooks acquired the property, it had been vacant for 11 to 12 years and required significant renovation to bring it back to life.

The Zooks’ vision was vindicated. The shop quickly became a beloved local institution, drawing visitors from across the city for its coffee, food, and community spirit. Today, Crema Brew anchors one of the most rewarding corners of New Bern — proof that thoughtful entrepreneurship can transform a neighborhood.

Fair-Trade Coffee and Hand-Pressed Pies

The signature draws at Crema Brew are the fair-trade organic coffees and the hand-pressed pies — a wonderfully unusual combination that sets the shop apart from any other cafe in New Bern. The coffee program is approachable but thoughtful, with a full lineup of espresso drinks, drip coffee, and specialty seasonal lattes — including the locally beloved Swiss Bear Latte (white chocolate and toffee nut), a playful nod to the city’s Swiss heritage.

On the bakery side, the rotating offerings typically include:

Hand-pressed pies — a true signature, including beloved options like pecan pie
Cinnamon rolls — fresh and gooey
Muffins, scones, and other rotating baked goods
Grandma cookies and Snickerdoodles — perfect with a cup of coffee

For visitors looking for something more substantial, Crema Brew also serves lunch options including sandwiches and soups — making it a welcome stop throughout the day.

The Bearista and New Bern’s Swiss Heritage

One of the most charming features of Crema Brew is the “Bearista” statue stationed proudly out front. The Bearista is part of New Bern’s broader public art program featuring dozens of themed fiberglass bears scattered throughout the city — each one a creative tribute to Bern, Switzerland, the city’s namesake. The Swiss bear hunters who founded Bern gave New Bern its very name, and the bear motif has become a beloved part of the city’s visual identity.

The Bearista is exactly the kind of detail that makes a visit to Crema Brew feel rooted in the broader community. Inside, the staff’s distinctive hats and aprons add another layer of charm to the experience — small touches that contribute to the shop’s warm, welcoming character.

Good to Know

Opened: February 2019
Founders: Donovan and Roxanne Zook (originally from Oregon, by way of Florida)
Address: 914 Broad Street, in the Five Points neighborhood of New Bern, NC 28560
Building: A historic former gas station that had been vacant for 11-12 years before the Zooks restored it
Style: Family-owned coffeehouse and bakeshop
Coffee program: Fair-trade organic coffees; full espresso menu; specialty seasonal lattes, including the locally beloved Swiss Bear Latte
Baked goods: Hand-pressed pies (including pecan pie), cinnamon rolls, muffins, grandma cookies, Snickerdoodles, and rotating seasonal items
Food menu: Lunch sandwiches and soups
Unique detail: “Bearista” statue out front — part of New Bern’s broader fiberglass bear program honoring the city’s Swiss heritage
Best for: Coffee lovers, baked goods enthusiasts, families, and visitors looking for a genuinely welcoming community-oriented cafe
Pair with: A visit to Bella’s Cafe & Catering, a stop at Bear City Fudge Company, or a stroll through historic downtown New Bern
Located at 914 Broad Street in the Five Points neighborhood of New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Crema Brew is the kind of stop that genuinely captures the heart of what makes a great neighborhood coffeehouse special. The Zooks’ inspiring journey from Florida to New Bern, the careful restoration of a long-vacant building, the rich fair-trade coffees and hand-pressed pies, the warmth of the staff in their signature hats and aprons, the Bearista standing watch outside, and the genuine community spirit that infuses every corner all add up to one of the most rewarding coffee stops anywhere in Craven County. Whether you’re settling in with a Swiss Bear Latte and a slice of pecan pie, picking up a sandwich for lunch, or just stopping in to admire the historic building and its bear-themed mascot, this is one of the most rewarding cafe experiences you can have in North Carolina.