Our Story

Our Story

We’re Katie and Lennie Friedman. We met in high school and both came to North Carolina for college—Lennie went to Duke to play football, and Katie went to UNC to not play football. We fell in love with this state, made Raleigh our home, and raised our three kids, Sayde, Connor, and Ella.

For years, we drove past this little building near our home and imagined what it could become. When the opportunity came to make it our own, we took it.

Bartons Creek started as a place for art and gifts, shaped by Katie’s lifelong love of art and local makers. As we’ve grown into a coffee shop, we’ve kept that part of our story. You can still browse local art, pottery, candles, and gifts—now with a coffee in hand.

The setting is part of what makes this place special. Tucked among the trees on Six Forks Road, our shop has a spacious back deck overlooking the yard and woods, with couches and chairs for settling in. Out front, rocking chairs offer another place to pause.

We serve coffee from North Carolina roasters, along with tea, matcha, and fresh baked goods. We also feature work from local artists and craftspeople, giving customers a chance to discover something made close to home.

Come for your morning coffee, meet a friend, or take a few minutes to yourself. We hope you’ll find a reason to stay awhile.

Katie & Lennie