MANIFEST Coffee + Community Mobile Coffee Bar Launches in Norwalk

A mere forty days ago, Harrison Knowles decided to quit his corporate job and start his mobile coffee business– MANIFEST Coffee + Community. Based in Knowles’ own neighborhood of East Norwalk,  MANIFEST focuses on developing relationships with customers and creating a welcoming environment where everyone can express themselves freely over the highest quality of beverages.

In addition to the focus on community, Knowles ensures his customers get the highest possible quality beverages, as he personally sourced his vendors from the New York Coffee Fest. MANIFEST uses Ilse coffee which is based in North Canaan Connecticut, as well as Ghost Town Oats oat milk, and Transcendence coffee syrups which are formulated with only three ingredients and all natural flavors. 

“If someones going to go out and treat themselves to a cup of coffee, they should have the best possible beverage” Knowles mentions.

Considering food offerings, MANIFEST is partnered with Wave Hill Breads, based in Norwalk, selling many of their pastries, from chocolate croissants to monkey bread.

Looking ahead, Knowles would like to expand MANIFEST to a brick and mortar coffee shop within the next couple years, but as he states 

“It was important to me to build up the relationship with the community first”.

The mobile coffee trailer allows Knowles to personalize customers' coffee experience and immerse himself into the East Norwalk community to build a relationship with the locals before opening a cafe. When asked why he chose East Norwalk to establish his business Knowles described the vibrant community, especially of coffee lovers, and how he wants to create something the community can be proud of. He desires MANIFEST to be a place for people to gather and share good vibes and experiences. He emphasizes how important his supportive team of friends and their help launching MANIFEST was in helping the process go smoothly.

For a peek into their menu, MANIFEST offers three signature lattes: Beyond the Bean which is a classic vanilla, Raspberry Mocha , and Salted Caramel Miso for the time being. In addition to their classic drinks such as cold brews, cappuccinos, and drip coffees. I sampled the Salted Caramel Miso Latte and it did not disappoint. The flavor was very smooth and fresh with the perfect level of sweetness from the Transcendence syrup. 

Not only does MANIFEST have delicious coffee, but they also have energy drinks. These aren’t your average artificial beverages though. MANIFEST energy drinks are made from LOTUS Plant Power Concentrates that use green coffee beans and super foods such as ashwagandha to give you a natural boost of energy that you don’t have to feel guilty about. As Knowles describes

“I wanted to give people an energy drink that they could feel good about drinking, because it's plant based, it doesn’t have taurine in it”.

There are only four ingredients in MANIFEST’s energy drinks, keeping them simply made, but not skimping on flavor. For now, there are two options for energy drinks at MANIFEST: Raspberry Glow and Blue Blackberry Blast. Both of which were beautiful to look at and even better to taste, perfect if you're looking for something sweet to pick you up.

While MANIFEST may be a mobile coffee shop for the time being, don’t let this question MANIFEST’s superb quality and flavor. You can be assured that every cup is made with care and a true desire to build a relationship with the locals. If you ever happen to see MANIFEST’s orange and white logo Tuesday-Sunday on the side of an East Norwalk street, be sure to grab a cup and say hi to Knowles!

Follow Manifest on Instagram.