Elevated Cafe Culture at A Positive Atmosphere
Robert Baptista III creates community in and out of his coffee shop that also offers cannabis-infused beverages and License to Chill hours.
A Positive Atmosphere cafe in East Providence. All photos provided by Robert Baptista III.
There’s a new, cozy cafe and event space nestled into the busy landscape of Warren Avenue in East Providence. A Positive Atmosphere is the newest addition to the bustling, mostly-residential neighborhood. Once inside, guests are greeted by lush plants spilling over every available window sill and table, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. There’s a heavenly variety of incense, local artwork displayed on the walls, beautiful glass water pipes, locally-grown hemp flower and the shop’s own organic cbd (cannabidiol) line of oil and gummies. It’s also a much-needed community space for cannabis users who want to socialize with like-minded people without fear of judgement.
Owner Robert Baptista III is intentional about creating a relaxing, inviting and earthy community for folks from all walks of life. A Positive Atmosphere was born out of his frustration with the negative energy he experienced in corporate America.
He’s also a bonafide East Providence “townie,” class of 1997. For him, “East Providence is in need of a business like mine. Each of the surrounding towns or cities have a dispensary. Not East Providence.” Although he has had some pushback from the city, he is finding community and support from other area businesses. For example, he shares relationships with the bar, vintage shop and music space Myrtle and holistic retail shop The Heal Room. He even has a local sponsor, Mother Earth, which is a trendsetter in the retail cannabis space. They provide free pre-roll cards for him to hand out to his License to Chill members that can be redeemed at Mother Earth.
During normal cafe hours, all ages are welcome to enjoy the serene environment and indulge in tasty drinks and eats. Baptista describes his menu as “healthy-ish” with the ability to add cbd to your meal. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that does not give the consumer a “high.” It does have some pretty great benefits though: it promotes a sense of calm, enhances focus, reduces stress and anxiety, supports pain relief, improves digestive health, provides long-lasting energy, encourages a better mood and boosts antioxidant uptake.
Baptista highly recommends the Sweet Lady Lavender coffee. He starts with an Ethiopian light roast and adds lavender, caramel and milk of your choice (including plant-based varieties). For a savory treat, try the Golden Child sandwich. Smoked Gouda, prosciutto, baby spinach, eggs and blueberry jam sit atop toasted brioche. There are also acai bowls, smoothies, pizza, sweet and savory toasts, grilled cheese sandwiches, mocktails, matcha and more. As for the menu, “there’s no goal besides creating things we like, hopefully original,” he says. “[They’re] sometimes based on elevated creations made with having the munchies in mind.”
A Positive Atmosphere turns into a members-only, twenty-one-plus experience during License to Chill hours. License to Chill memberships range from a $10 one-day pass to a $240 yearly pass. It’s during these hours that consumers can toke together in a safe and fun environment. Member benefits include free coffee, pre-rolls and a free ticket to elevated events. Elevated events incorporate cannabis into private dinners, sound healings, painting classes and new menu tastings. Plus, it’s an opportunity to mingle and make new friends. 515 Warren Ave., East Providence. 401-400-2002, apositiveatmosphere.com
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