About four years back, Rachel and Ben Lehman expanded their excellent, zero-waste coffee operation Crema to the East Side with a takeaway cafe and roasting space on Duke Street. It’s a true gift for folks in that particular pocket of East Nashville, in part because Crema has just about the friendliest and most attentive staff of any coffeehouse in town — particularly when it comes to general manager Mark Lemley. Lemley, who also happens to be a gifted writer and podcaster, is a longtime barista who knows his coffee, and is beloved by neighborhood regulars. He provides consistently great service and friendly conversation, but beyond that, it’s plain to see that Lemley is the kind of guy who genuinely cares about people. Refreshing.
