Our Story
I’m Emily, the face behind Paperback Pours.
When I’m not making coffee, I’m a sixth-grade English teacher. I’ve always loved books, coffee, and creating little moments that bring people together. What started as making homemade lattes for my neighbors on slow weekend mornings quickly became something much bigger than I ever imagined.
As more and more people found Paperback Pours, I realized this dream had the potential to become something more than a hobby. I built Bean, my custom coffee trailer (with the help of my incredibly talented dad!), and decided to take the leap to one of my favorite places, the Outer Banks.
I’ve been spending my summers in the Outer Banks for years, so being able to serve coffee here has been incredibly special. What started as a small neighborhood coffee idea has now introduced Paperback Pours to visitors from all over the country. Every day I get to meet people from different states, hear their stories, and know they’ll take a little piece of Paperback Pours home with them.
Every drink is handcrafted with small-batch syrups, thoughtfully chosen ingredients, and flavors inspired by books, the seasons, and a little nostalgia. Whether you’re a local, a regular, or just visiting the beach for the week, my goal is simple: to make you feel welcome and create a drink worth remembering.
Thank you for being part of this story. I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Our Values
We’re committed to serving coffee that feels good in more ways than one. Our cups are compostable and plantable, giving them a second life long after the latte is gone. Our bottled latte jars are meant to be reused again and again — for flowers, storage, smoothies, whatever sparks joy. Every small choice adds up, and we’re proud to brew in ways that are gentle on the earth.
Sustainability, always.
Every syrup, every shot, every small detail is made with intention. We test, tweak, and taste until each drink feels like something worth pausing for — a crafted moment, not just a caffeine fix.
Quality Over Everything
Paperback Pours was built through early-morning latte drops, supportive friends, and a community that showed up again and again. We believe in giving back, showing up, and creating spaces where people feel seen and welcomed.
Community at the Heart
FAQs
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Paperback Pours is a mobile coffee business, so our location changes!
For the summer, we are at 2808 S Croatan Hwy!
We pop up at local events, private gatherings, and community spaces. The most up-to-date information on where to find us is always shared on our Instagram.
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Yes! We’re happy to accommodate a variety of dietary needs and allergies. As someone with celiac disease, this is especially important to me, and ingredient awareness is always a priority. We offer dairy-free milk options at no additional charge and are happy to discuss specific needs when you inquire.
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Paperback Pours serves a variety of events including weddings, private parties, showers, corporate gatherings, community events, and pop-ups. We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially for weddings and larger events, but we’re always happy to check availability for shorter notice requests. To inquire, simply submit the event inquiry form under private events and we’ll be in touch to discuss details and next steps.
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Paperback Pours is a mobile coffee business and serves a variety of locations based on availability and event type. We’re always open to traveling for the right event, so feel free to reach out with details.
Customer Reviews
“The BEST place to get coffee in the OBX. The wait time can be long, but it’s worth it. The to-go coffees in the cooler are also amazing! 10/10 recommend!.”
— Brianna King“What a fun company! Emily was so great to work with. We did a build your own latte bar for my bachelorette and everyone loved it. She came out to Charlottesville, set everything up and came back to pack up after we wrapped up. Such a great experience, and highly recommend.”
— Sionne Olson“Cute little place to grab a coffee on the go! She’s super sweet and coffee is amazing!”
— Jasmine Phelps