Not long after Kat Sullivan gave birth to her son in 2023, she sent her mother-in-law to fetch coffee at High Point Cafe. The shop on Carpenter Lane — colloquially known as “The Mothership,” since it was the business’ first location — was an important part of Sullivan’s experience as a Mt. Airy resident. 

Meg Hagele, owner of High Point, knew Sullivan had just given birth and wrote “Mom” on her coffee cup.

“It was the first time somebody had called me ‘Mom,’” Sullivan recounted with a smile. “I still have the stained paper cup in my bedroom.”

This special relationship between Hagele and Sullivan is not unique; High Point’s business is built on such bonds. From the group of people who gather daily to discuss politics in the corner, to young people working their first job behind the counter, to lovebirds getting engaged outside the cafe, telling the story of High Point means telling the story of community.

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, High Point plans a birthday bash on July 7. In honor of two decades serving coffee, pastries, and conversation, patrons and employees sat down with the Local to discuss the impact this humble java joint has had on the northwest and beyond.

Founding High Point

Hagele, who grew up in Mt. Airy, always had a knack for business. As a kid, she ran a lemonade stand at Allens Lane and McCallum Street. After running her first coffee shop for three years in Seattle, Hagele returned to Philadelphia and started working for a realtor. When 602 Carpenter Lane became available, she said it was a “no brainer” to buy the space and open another cafe.

The first High Point Cafe opened in 2005, and three years later, the business expanded to a second location at Richard Allen Lane train station. High Point also operates a bakery and roastery that is closed to the public. The business has grown to include 27 full-time and part-time employees and both locations are open seven days a week.

From the beginning, Hagele not only wanted to make high quality food and drinks in-house, but she also wanted to make the social aspect of her business a priority. However, she is quick to point out that she does not deserve all the credit.

“Although I started it, it is a product of our environment,” Hagele said. “It is what it is because of the people who make it that way.”

Everyone knows your name

When speaking to those people about High Point, there’s plenty of agreement. The cafe is a “pillar of the community,” a “home away from home,” and a “safe space.” The shop serves as an “anchor” of Mt. Airy, the “beating heart” that connects neighbors and newcomers alike. Several people even described the cafe as similar to the “Cheers” bar — everyone knows your name (and your order).

When asked what High Point means to her, patron Ellen Tynan paused before answering. “I almost got choked up when you said that,” Tynan explained.

Maria Veneziano, a High Point regular since 2005, has watched the business’ evolution.

“When Meg [Hagele] started this, it was really just her and the co-op [Weavers Way],” Veneziano said. “And now we see Wild Hand, Big Blue Marble, Nesting House … things kind of just grew up around this intersection.”

Community engagement is another essential part of High Point’s history. From hanging local artists’ work on the walls to organizing Sunday markets with local vendors, the business prioritizes neighborhood involvement.

Highs and lows

Hagele wants High Point to be a part of people’s best memories. This is the case for Eskedar Getahun and Nate Schlingmann.

In December 2024, the Mt. Airy couple went to High Point, their “favorite” local coffee shop. Under a tree just outside the cafe, Schlingmann got down on one knee and proposed to Getahun. Patrons snapped photos and when the couple walked inside, the cafe erupted in applause.

Hagele also wants High Point to be there for people on their worst days. Sophie Jarka-Sellers, who has been coming to High Point since she was 10, said the cafe is “a little pocket of the world” where she feels at home.

“I can’t tell you how many times I have come here with tears coming down my face,” Jarka-Sellers said. “These people are amazing.”

During the collective grief of the COVID-19 pandemic, High Point remained open by offering window service. This sense of normalcy during a period of tumult was vital for many members of the community, including Tamar Jacobson.

 “When we came in finally after the pandemic … I cried,” Jacobson said. “That’s how meaningful the place is to me.”

Birthday bash

On July 7 from 5-8 p.m., High Point will host an “Eat in the Street” block party with food trucks and a DJ in front of “The Mothership.” This isn’t the first birthday party High Point has held; Hagele fondly recalls roasting a 100+ lb. pig for the cafe’s birthday in 2012, but this might be their largest party to date.

A momentous celebration is fitting for the business that takes up such a big part of customers’ and employees’ hearts. Mike Gillum, who said he visits High Point about five times a week, summed it up best: “I’m glad it’s been here for 20, and I hope it’s here for 20 more.” 

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.