Kevin McLaughlin: Rocky Mount

2022 NC Main Street Champion

Three years ago, Kevin McLaughlin established the Larema Coffee House, a coffee shop and restaurant, in downtown Rocky Mount. This required restoring and occupying a long abandoned, historic, former bank building. Immediately upon relocating from Durham, Kevin became a valued member of downtown and the entire Rocky Mount community. He has opened the Larema Coffee House’s doors to host all manners of community awareness events, never shying away from social issues. Larema often showcases local talent, providing opportunity for all ages and entertainment genres. For example, Larema hosts an annual anniversary event, inviting all downtown restaurants, food trucks, and small business vendors to participate. He also creates space for local talent to perform. Through his persistence and commitment to downtown, Kevin Has been instrumental in attracting a diversity of visitors, patrons of all ages and all walks of life, in the process energizing a formerly underdeveloped section of downtown. He champions all things downtown and can be counted on by fellow merchants for his participation, support, and encouragement. When you sum it all up, Kevin McLaughlin is the Rocky Mount two thousand twenty-two Main Street Champion.