‘Modern neighborhood bodega’ from Durham chef opens in Durham. What’s inside

A new, multi-concept business described as a “modern neighborhood bodega” opened recently in Durham.

From Shawn Stokes, the chef and owner of Luna Rotisserie, Rubies on Five Points and Remy’s Lounge, Hops & Flower brings together a coffee shop, taproom, deli, market and hemp dispensary.

Located at 2014 Hillsborough Road, Hops & Flower is a one-stop shop. But the concept didn’t start out that way.

Initially, Stokes’ idea was to open a taproom, bottle shop and hemp dispensary. But if he was going to serve drinks, he knew people would want snacks. So he thought he’d serve pre-made sandwiches and deli salads, using Luna as a commissary, he told The News & Observer in a call.

But then he found the space on Hillsborough Road, next to Vin Rouge. Most recently a Moe’s Original BBQ — but previously Blu Seafood and Bar, Grasshopper and Pizza Palace — the 2,600-square-foot building had a kitchen and room to dedicate spaces to particular uses. The longer he thought about what the place could be, the more ideas became incorporated into the concept.

With a kitchen, Stokes could not only prepare and serve lunch on site, but also breakfast foods. And if Hops & Flower — which gets its name from the original concept of a taproom and dispensary — was going to serve breakfast, it might as well serve coffee, too.

“We wanted to create a space where the community can grab breakfast, settle in to work remotely over coffee, meet friends for lunch and drinks, shop for quality local products, and access wellness and hemp offerings — all without having to visit multiple locations,” Stokes said in a news release.

Hops & Flower’s breakfast and lunch menu

In the morning, visitors may stop in for a drink made with Little Waves coffee beans and an egg sandwich ($9), fresh bagel or bean and cheese tamale ($11).

For lunch or dinner, Hops & Flower serves hot and cold heroes inspired by New York-style delis.

Roast turkey, avocado and bacon; fried chicken cutlets with tomato sauce, basil pesto may and cheese; and griddled turkey with broccoli rabe, Cooper sharp and hot honey are among the hot and cold sandwiches, but there are also vegetarian options, with chickpea salad and fried cauliflower as the stars. Half sandwiches cost $9-$11, and wholes are $17-$20.

And in the evening, visitors can saddle up to the bar for a craft beer.

Essentials and wellness market at Hops & Flower

The market offers an eclectic mix of food and drinks.

Items including eggs, produce, cheese and canned beer are in the refrigerator, along with THC seltzers, which Stokes said have been selling fast. Heat-and-serve meals including Filipino chicken adobo have been popular.

There are also shelves of wines, canned foods, crackers and condiments, plus ice cream from The Parlour and Melina’s Fresh Pasta.

The inventory will rotate, Stokes said, depending on what customers are after.

And there’s a hemp dispensary, where customers can purchase THC products including edibles, pre-rolls, vapes and flower, along with adaptogenic products.

Hops & Flower design

When Hops & Flower moved in, the building felt dark. Stokes brightened the space with a lighter color scheme and added plants throughout.

He tasked local artists to help decorate the space.

The logo on the front of the building was made by Fisher Graphic Arts, and Samantha Castrovinci of Durham’s Creative Tattoo Service painted the floor mural that sprawls throughout the building.

There’s plenty of indoor seating for hanging out or working remotely, space to enjoy a meal and beverage, and even a room filled with games. As the weather warms, Stokes plans to add outdoor seating.

The goal is for Hops & Flower to be not just a one-stop shop, but a “third place” for the community, which Stokes said is needed during a time when people are spending more time online.

This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 4:18 PM with the headline "‘Modern neighborhood bodega’ from Durham chef opens in Durham. What’s inside."

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

919-419-6579

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.