(Wichita, Kan.) - Everyone is sure to be buzzin' on National Coffee Day, Sept. 29. In honor of the beloved caffeine-infused drink, several of Wichita’s most beloved coffee shops spill their secrets and share details about what they have planned for this year’s day to appreciate coffee.
Churn & Burn’s specialty is mixing their coffee with their house-made cream base, which they freeze with liquid nitrogen. In addition to the -320-degree nitrogen, they also serve “the Hipster,” an espresso drink served separated so you can make one drink or several drinks with one order such as a latte, cappuccino, cortado, flat white or macchiato. For National Coffee Day, this versatile drink will be 50 percent of its regular price.
“Coffee is so unique,” said Christian Shomberg, owner. “The complexity of it is like a snowflake; you’ll never have the same cup of coffee twice because you are dealing with something that comes from nature.”
At Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, you can pair coffee with another delicacy: chocolate. The coffee and chocolate shop also recently re-opened. The new store has more pastries and other desserts along with an expanded line of alcohol, such as whiskey and signature cocktails. Art and custom furniture from a number of Wichita artists is also included in the new space. In honor of National Coffee Day, Cocoa Dolce invites customers to see the new space and enjoy $6.75 coffee when they buy two chocolates.
“It’s great to have a day to celebrate coffee. It brings people together and is great for any occasion,” said owner Beth Tully. “Plus, chocolate is the perfect complement to our coffee.”
College Hill Creamery serves a variety of coffees with several different flavors and partners with local roaster, Reverie Coffee Roasters, as well as Thanksgiving Coffee, a roaster from California. They also collaborate with Nitro Joe's to serve nitrogen-infused, cold-brewed coffee. Whether you’re grabbing coffee or a specialty drink, like the caramenilla latte, Nitro Joe's float, or an affogato shake, you’ll enjoy the Creamery’s inviting environment. Customers can choose from a cozy downstairs seating area or the more spacious setting upstairs that has plenty of room for kids to play. “What I love most about coffee is the feeling of happiness it gives you, with a heavy dose of nostalgia of memorable people, places and events,” said Ryan Nall, owner.
For National Coffee Day, their house coffee will be complimentary throughout the day. They will also have two coffee cakes, pumpkin and cinnamon sour cream, available for the day.
The Donut Whole’s signature coffee blends — Smooth, Bold and Espresso — are carefully crafted in cooperation with the Spice Merchant, a local coffee roaster. All three are distinct, rich and delicious, ground immediately before brewing and made from beans roasted only four blocks away. “Coffee is as essential to my personal quality of life as air, water and the Beatles,” says owner Michael Carmody. A donut shop, coffeehouse and music venue, Carmody says The Donut Whole is downtown Wichita’s sweetest community center.
Reverie Coffee Roasters freshly roasts their coffee twice a week. It is carefully crafted to achieve a balanced sweetness, while highlighting the origin characteristics to achieve full flavor. They are constantly researching and refining all aspects of the coffee experience, from roasting, to water filtration, to brewing methods, bar flow efficiency, and sustainability. “This promotes continuing education and growth within Reverie, and our community,” said Andrew Gough, owner. “The coffee industry is a long chain of cooperation, education, and meticulous care. Each cup of coffee has a history, from the farmer, to the importer, to the roaster, to the barista. Each step is important to produce a delicious cup of coffee, which can set the tone for your day. We are grateful to play a role in that process.”
Reverie is celebrating National Coffee Day with free samples of their new and improved Nameless Espresso from 7:30 a.m. to noon. They are the presenting sponsor of the “The Coffee Man,” showing at Orpheum Theatre at 7 p.m., and will be drawing throughout the day for free tickets to the show. Lolo's Crepes will be on-site for dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. For each crepe you purchase, you'll receive a Reverie BOGO drink coupon. Plus, they’ll be kicking off their Final Friday celebration a day early, featuring photographer Caroline Ragatz.
