Hickory Trading Company — Restaurant in Chesapeake

I come here every week to eat breakfast. The staff is always kind and me and my friends always have a ton of fun. The atmosphere is very eclectic coffee shop with local artists displaying their wares for sale on various walls and shelves. There's a quieter space for groups, a large family style bar height table to sit alone, cozy tables in the corners, a cozy couch and armchairs, and a room that they just installed doors on so that kids can come in and play without disturbing other customers.

One special thing to note about this place is that they do a lot of work with special needs children and adults. Most of their staff is autistic/ADHD in some way so things will take longer to prepare and they might get your order wrong but if something happens, they will ALWAYS go above and beyond to fix it. This is not the kind of place to stop in for a "quick" bite or a "quick" coffee. Expect to spend a lot of time here.

I've had the chance to get to know the staff and the owners because of how often I frequent the place and I've come to love and appreciate the care and attention they give to their customers and the cafe.

They have a decent selection for breakfast. I've tried everything and it's amazing! However, I want to highlight the specialty coffees. Prices are quite decent for coffee (LESS THAN STARBUCKS!) and you can get some delicious flavors. Check the checkboard on the left wall when you walk up to the register for their seasonal flavors. I currently love the Autumnal Bliss but I've tried most of them at least once and even when they don't advertise it, you can still get the seasonal concoctions in other seasons, like the honey and lavender latte. You might also consider doing a "Roll for Flavor" where Brandon gives you DnD dice that randomizes your drink. He's good about accounting for any dietary restrictions or personal preferences so it always comes out good.

Definitely consider stopping by one morning. You...

I had been meaning to check this place out for months now, but they're not open on my way to or from work. I had a rare moment out this past weekend and decided I would finally stop in.

I was immediately reminded of small-town New England where I was born, raised, and recently moved from. The place is filled with items made by local artisans, cozy couches and chairs, coffee tables with several board games to choose from, books, etc. As I was ordering my coffee, the nice teenager at the counter told me a little bit about the shop and that they're a nonprofit that employs those with special needs, helping them to become more independent. As a mom with special needs kiddos, this is near and dear to my heart.

I only wish they were open on my way to work so I could stop in and support them more, but I'll just have to be sure to visit on the weekends.

If you get a chance, please stop in. The coffee was good, but I can't really speak to the food as I only had a muffin. The menu has some great items though- omelets, paninis and...

It was our first time here and it was not the best. It was very apparent after waiting over 15 minutes for a chia tea and cafe au lait that they were highly under staffed and/or unorganized in the back. The person in the kitchen was very frustrated and shouted about forgotten items loud enough for the entire place to hear. As more people came in you could feel the tension build as the vast majority of the place was waiting on food and drinks. With all that being said the gal behind the counter was keeping her composure and doing her best to keep up with taking orders, making the drinks and delivering them to waiting customers. We waited over an hour for two panini’s and finally just canceled our order and got a refund. The place has potential but I would replace all the staff in the back. There are some obvious misses in communication. Keep the girl in the front through, she was the only one who kept a positive attitude and actually had to tell the guys in the back to stop talking badly in front...