We recently dropped by Emissary on Mary Street, a couple storefronts down from Oak, to have a chat with Elias Hengst. He’s the visionary owner of this stylish new café that just opened on July 1, 2024. Having brought his concept from Washington, D.C., Elias is following a time-tested formula of creating meaningful, community-centered spaces where connection and creativity thrive –  and already, it’s become a local favorite! With an emphasis on timeless design, authentic hospitality, and a deep connection to the community, Emissary reflects the classic romantic ethos of Coconut Grove while offering a fresh, modern take on the café experience.

Please join us as we explore Elias’ inspiration behind Emissary, the values shaping the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere, as well as his unique connection to cycling and to Coconut Grove’s vibrant culture. What makes Emissary more than just a café? Let’s find out! 

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BID: Let’s just get this out of the way: What’s the story behind the cycling theme in your branding? Mind you, it’s pretty fun!

ELIAS: Glad you noticed that! The visual references to cycling are more of a personal expression than a deliberate branding strategy. They reflect my years of (non-professional!) racing and the strong sense of connection and community I’ve built through the sport and are also a nod to the bike messengers – emissaries – that are part of the fabric and soul of any vibrant city. Beyond that, a bicycle – much like the La Marzocco espresso machine in the café – is a simple yet elegant machine that has remained fundamentally unchanged since its inception more than 200 years ago. I love the idea that, as sophisticated and beautiful as they are, both are analog and old-school and rely on the human connection to produce something special. No amount of technology can replace a skilled barista who cares about their craft. That ethos is central to what we do at Emissary – creating spaces that feel timeless, authentic, and grounded in simplicity.

BID: An emissary is defined as “a person sent on a mission to represent or deliver a message on behalf of another person or organization.” So, what is your core message, and who are you “delivering” it on behalf of?

ELIAS: Wow, the big question… I’ll try to keep it simple: our message – our mission – is to create places with soul; gathering places where all members of the community, regardless of background, belief, or income, feel welcome to come in and connect with their friends, family, or partner – or just enjoy a cortado or glass of wine on their own. We try to accomplish that by finding hyper-intelligent, fundamentally kind people – who also care deeply about their craft – to work with us. It’s also vital that our team reflects our city’s diversity. I’ve been fortunate that we have a core crew filled with Miami natives who are passionate about coffee, wine, ingredients, and taking care of others. 

BID: Emissary has roots in Washington, D.C. What inspired you to bring the brand to Miami, specifically Coconut Grove?

ELIAS: Well, that one’s pretty straightforward: Much like half of the people in the Northeast, I came down here to ride out the pandemic lockdown my girlfriend – who is now my wife! I love D.C., but at the time, it was cold, gray, and even more intense than usual. With my cafés and yoga studios closed by the city, we headed to her longtime family place in Key Biscayne. That was four-and-a-half years ago, and we now consider Miami home.

BID: How do you see Emissary fitting into the fabric of Coconut Grove’s vibrant culture and history?

ELIAS: I always return to this quote about the Grove I found in a 1977 New York Times article. To me, despite all the investments and changes, it still reads true: “A 10-minute drive south of Miami, there is a state of mind known as Coconut Grove. On that triangular chunk of land, a disparate collection of super-rich matrons, freaked-out kids, artists, and Audubonists share the notion that the Grove is different. A place of refuge from the plastic world all about.”

I like to think that we can, in a small way, embody that state of mind – that the Grove and our space can still be a refuge, an oasis – while remaining conscious of the neighborhood’s rich, deep history, geography, and Caribbean roots. Our small way of contributing to this rich fabric is by making our space open to the community for fundraisers, art shows, classes, and lectures from neighbors and organizations at no charge for the venue. If anyone has an idea or an organization, please feel free to contact me directly!

BID: In what ways do you connect with other local businesses in Coconut Grove, such as those in the BID, and how do you see your relationship with them evolving?

ELIAS: It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Coconut Grove BID and the local independent business community have been overwhelmingly kind and engaged. During construction, we had BID staff checking in weekly, making introductions, spreading the word, and offering help. The local independent businesses have been equally warm and supportive: from the crew at Los Felix & Krus Kitchen to Amable Bridal, Grove Grocer, Hugo di Roma, Open Door Yoga and Navi Coffee, it’s a great group of entrepreneurs, and their teams are all pros.

BID: The café strongly emphasizes hospitality, design, and community. How do these values influence the daily experience at Emissary?

ELIAS: The design and the selection of materials are fundamental to how we experience a café, bar, or restaurant and how grounded and connected we feel to the space and to each other. So, upon being given a big, empty drywall box to start with, we relied on timeless and organic materials to give it a more rooted and abiding feeling: Carrara marble, white oak, concrete, incandescent lighting, chrome, and bronze – the same elements you find in a bar or café in Milan or Rome that’s been around 150 or more years. I was lucky to collaborate with my good friend Alberto Manrique, a designer based in Bogotá, and to work with local artisans like Jose Oldenburg for millwork and Juan Carlos (Glennystone) for marble bar top fabrication. 

BID: Your menu features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. How important is it to you to collaborate with local farmers and suppliers in Miami?

ELIAS: It’s fundamental, and we are on a constant quest to find and connect with local purveyors and learn the rhythms of South Florida’s growing season – which is not easy! It’s important to ask, “Would I eat or serve this ingredient – coffee, food, or wine – to my family and friends?” If you see 18-wheelers delivering ingredients to a supposed “farm-to-table” restaurant, then it might be worth making the effort to support a local, independent joint. My tip is just check out an Instagram account like Tiny Farms or Grove Grocers see who they follow and like – and seek them out. It’s a vibrant scene.

BID: As a business keen on creating meaningful spaces, what role do you see Emissary playing in the social life and community of Coconut Grove?

ELIAS: It relates to the community because we’ve used quality, high-end materials, and they’re not walled or roped off. You can roll up with your dog or a stroller in whatever you happen to be wearing and enjoy that feeling of resting your arm on a bar with a pretty edge and curve.

BID: Lastly, outside of the café, what gets you going? What’s your passion? 

ELIAS: Well, other than having a baby boy within weeks of the café opening, I try to spend as much time as I can outside, near the water, exploring the city and checking out new independent restaurants and coffee shops. 

Stay in Touch with Emissary:

• Business Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-3pm; Sunday 8am-2pm.
• Location: 3308 Mary Street, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
• email: elias@emissary.miami