A coffee shop offers more than a cup of locally brewed coffee and an irresistible aroma. It’s a place to discuss the start of a new business, a place to seek warmth in cold weather, a place to catch up with a friend uninterrupted, or a place for aspiring writers to start their first novel. Aspen Coffee’s motto is simple, make great coffee and love the people that come in for it.
Matt Johnston, co-owner of Aspen Coffee, aspired to create an atmosphere that comforts the people who enter its doors. Johnston says, “Even if someone only buys one cup of coffee that day, we want the customer to feel comfortable staying several hours.” Each of the six locations provides a unique design, some providing an old 1900s feel with exposed brick, some providing a modern and airy feel with concrete walls, wood countertops, and high ceilings.
Johnston and Kelly Lyda, cofounder of Aspen, grew up as best friends, knowing they wanted to go into business together, but needed the venture’s vision. Coffee spots were becoming popularized by trending TV shows in the ‘90s, like Friends, Frasier, and Seinfeld. Starbucks was booming in every city. The rising popularity of coffee shops and appreciation for quality coffee, in addition to their hospitality experience, ultimately inspired the two to open an independent coffee shop. They wanted to create quality coffee in a space that felt like home when customers were away from home. And so, a new chapter began.
After 28 years and locations in three cities, Johnston and Lyda built a reputable brand within the community as the original Oklahoma craft coffee. “We’ve never focused on making the most money,” Johnston said. “It’s always been about building customer relationships and a sense of community. We realized that if you take care of your people, they’ll take care of you.” Johnston and Lyda try to hold out until the last minute to raise prices when everyone else is increasing costs. During inclement weather, the shops remain open if possible for customers who frequently come in.
The flavored lattes are the most popular items but don’t sleep on the Granita, a sweet frozen version of the latte. Another favorite of Aspen’s is the Cortado, an espresso with a bit of steamed milk. Cortado is a well-known drink in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Smoothies and treats baked from scratch are available, including tasty gluten-free options and chocolate-covered coffee beans for days of indulgence.
Aspen roasts fresh beans in Stillwater and brews the coffee using manual espresso machines instead of fully automatic. The manual machine allows customizing and the ability to control the process and pay attention to every detail, providing the highest quality possible. Attention to quality and detail is paramount to hands-on quality. From selecting the beans to the flavors and foam designs to the customer experience, the baristas pamper the coffee beyond the cup.
