02/16/2025
A few days ago, we took a trip to Arkansas to spend time with our friends at They welcomed us into their world—inviting us to sit in on their staff hospitality class, touring us through every one of their spaces, and sharing so much of what makes them who they are.
Hospitality is at the heart of what we do, and with plans to train our own team in the near future, this class felt especially meaningful. We’ve always believed that hospitality is a craft—just like sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee, it requires care, precision, and deep intention. Learning from a team that has built such a thoughtful, guest-centered culture only reinforced that belief. Great hospitality isn’t just about service; it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and welcome in a way that lingers long after they’ve left.
Walking through Onyx’s spaces and seeing how every detail is considered was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when vision and ex*****on align. It gave us space to reflect on our own growth, to take in new ideas, and to refine what hospitality means in the world we’re creating at Now And Then.
Beyond the learning, this trip was a reminder of the kind of community that makes coffee so special. We walked away with an even deep appreciation for exactly that. The generosity, openness, and willingness to share knowledge is something rare, and something we don’t take for granted.
Thank you, , .papi_, , , , Rapha, and the rest of the Onyx team for your time, your kindness, and for reminding us that we’re not just building a coffee bar—we’re building something that connects people, creates memories, and hopefully inspires others the way this trip has inspired us.