Black Sheep Coffee: Community, Connection, and Cozy Industrial Charm
As Black Sheep Coffee approaches its eleventh anniversary in March, Chance Ebersold has solidified not just a business, but a permanent foothold in downtown Harrisonburg and a gathering place where people come together to slow down, socialize, and create lasting memories.
Source : Black Sheep Coffee
A Permanent Home Downtown
After more than two years in their current location on East Market Street, Black Sheep has achieved what few businesses can claim: permanence. By purchasing the building, Chance has ensured the coffee shop will never have to move again.
"What I am most proud of is being able to solidify the fact that we'll never have to move again," Chance reflects. "Now we have a permanent foothold in downtown, and hopefully we will be here for many decades, and not just one."
The building houses not only the coffee shop but also four rental apartments upstairs, which help cover the mortgage and bills, creating a sustainable model for long-term success.
The move from their original Ice House location came with concerns about maintaining the beloved atmosphere that had made Black Sheep a community fixture. But Ebersold and the team successfully recreated their signature "cozy industrial" vibe—a slightly eclectic mix influenced by Chance, his wife, and the staff.
"I was super worried because I really like the vibe at the old space, and I was worried about not being able to quite carry it over," Chance admits. "But I think we succeeded pretty well."
Bringing Back In-Person Connection
Source : Black Sheep Coffee
“I am so thrilled to actually see people doing things in person, like as a group, with each other, without screens. To me, that is what a coffee shop should be.”
Through partnerships with community organizations, Black Sheep has hosted swing dances, singer-songwriter showcases, and vintage markets. All aimed at encouraging face-to-face interaction in an increasingly screen-dominated world.
When Chance started working in coffee shops in high school, before the internet and smartphones, people came out to play chess, read books, and socialize. Coffee shops stayed open until 10 or 11 at night specifically for this purpose.
"At some point that kind of faded. They all started closing earlier," he notes. "I can't change societal trends, but I can try to do my part in creating the space. If they'll get people to come here, I'll provide the space for them to hang out."
The swing dance in 2025 drew a strong turnout. The singer-songwriter group already has four more Friday showcases scheduled for spring 2026. A woman from Norfolk brings her vintage market pop-up to Black Sheep three times a year.
As Black Sheep nears its eleventh anniversary, Chance and his team have been reflecting on how many lives the coffee shop has touched. They know of at least one couple who had their first date at the old location, got married, and now have two kids. The team is brainstorming ways to collect and share customer stories—tales of first dates, friendships formed, and the countless moments that make up a life lived in community.
The effort reflects Harrisonburg's unique character as a place where people come for school and never leave. Chance himself arrived in 1998, left for a couple years, then returned to raise his family.
A Family Business Built on Values
Source : Black Sheep Coffee
Perhaps the most meaningful measure of success for Chance isn't financial, it's that his two children, now 12 and 10, are proud to tell their friends that their dad owns a coffee shop. They bring those friends downtown and enjoy being part of the Black Sheep community.
“Obviously, like any parent, having kids that are proud of you makes you feel pretty good. So that would be my big picture.”
While both his children want to work at Black Sheep, Chance has a firm policy: they must work for someone else first. He wants them to develop good work ethic without the complications of family dynamics in the workplace.
Balancing two downtown businesses—Chance runs Black Sheep while his wife owns another downtown business, The Yellow Button—gives the family flexibility on a day-to-day basis, allowing them to be present for their children while pursuing their entrepreneurial passions.
What Makes Black Sheep Different
Despite occasional thoughts about opening a second location, Chance has chosen to focus his energy on the downtown shop, prioritizing quality over expansion.
Black Sheep makes all their baked goods in-house, that's why the selection varies day to day. The coffee shop uses multiple roasters, offering variety beyond just local options. Staples include Virginia-based Red Rooster, Roadmap, and Blanchard's, as well as Little Lamps from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (founded by a JMU alumni).
Black Sheep's extensive loose-leaf tea selection has become another hallmark. While some customers might assume it's just a coffee shop, Black Sheep has become a destination for tea lovers who appreciate quality loose-leaf options, especially popular during the colder months.
In a world of drive-through coffee chains, Chance remains committed to the slower, more intentional coffee shop experience.
"We try to make people slow down a little bit," he says. "You know, we probably get some angry, but whatever. You got to set the bar somewhere."
Black Sheep doesn't have a drive-through, doesn't push customers through quickly, and prioritizes creating a space where people can linger over a good cup of coffee or tea, read an actual book, or gather with friends without pressure to leave.
The shop participates in HDR's composting program, recycles cardboard with the city, and sources vegetables through Cavalier Produce—small sustainability efforts that align with their community values.
Looking Ahead to Spring 2026
Source : Black Sheep Coffee
Spring 2026 promises to be busy at Black Sheep.
Chance credits HDR and the supportive downtown business community for Black Sheep's success over the past eleven years. He regularly talks with other business owners, comparing notes and supporting each other's success.
"It's a community that we talk and we share," he says. "Because we all want to see each other do well."
That community spirit, combined with Black Sheep's commitment to creating space for genuine human connection, ensures the coffee shop will continue serving Harrisonburg not just with excellent coffee and tea, but with the increasingly rare opportunity to slow down, be present, and connect with others face-to-face.
Black Sheep Coffee is located at 80 East Market St, Harrisonburg. They're open daily with hours until 7pm—making them the latest coffee shop in town. Follow them on social media for updates on spring events, including singer-songwriter showcases, swing dancing, and possible weekend date plans.
Interview by Sarah Golibart Gorman | Written & edited by Michelle Hinegardner
