What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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featured dining guide story Advertorial Feature BY randY rICE | northwEst arkansas dEmoCrat-GazEttE 42 What's up! december 5-11, 2021 Coffee shop in a bike shop I t was 5 years in July that Katie Schneider, owner of Trailside Coffee Company in downtown Springdale, realized her dream of opening a coffee shop. "At the time it was just me and I really didn't have a lot of capital," Katie recalled, "I wanted to make a dream come true, but I didn't really have the means to do it." But Katie was a savvy entrepreneur and not about to let a little thing like funding get in the way of her dream. So, she kept her eyes open for an opportunity. That opportunity came when she heard they were doing a revitalization of downtown Springdale, where she grew up. Katie and her family had been cyclists for years and Chris Brosh and Tim Robinson, owners of Phat Tire bike shop, were family friends. She learned Phat Tire was planning to open a shop in downtown Springdale. "I approached them with the idea to have a coffee shop inside the bike shop," she said. "They loved the concept because, among other things, the shop was going to be right on the Razorback Greenway." With that, Trailside Coffee Company was born and it's been a big success. They cater to cyclists who come along the trail from Bella Vista to Fayetteville and everywhere in between. They also serve the folks who work in downtown Springdale or just people out for a walk. As far as the menu items go, Katie prides herself in keeping it local. "I carry Mountain Bird Coffee out of Eureka Springs," she said. "I also feature Joy House which is another local brand that roasts really good coffee." She actually makes the ice cream herself. "I have lots of different flavors in the summertime but only vanilla in the winter for use in coffee drinks," she said. "In the summertime I like to hit up the farmers markets for fresh peaches and strawberries and incorporate that in my homemade ice cream. It's just amazing." For the homemade pastries, Katie engaged a local retired teacher, Joanne Burneson, who approached Katie about baking pastries for the coffeeshop. She brought in some samples and they knocked Katie out and she has been with Trailside ever since. Katie's mom also bakes for the shop. In addition to coffee, ice cream and pastries, Katie also features fresh cold brew, Italian sodas, teas, smoothies and local beer. As their website states, "This is an eco-friendly, love is love, kind of organization and we plan to keep it that way." Trailside has recently expanded next door to the original location. And Katie says another location and coffee trailer are on the way, so keep your eye out for more Trailside Coffee stops. The shop also offers catering. "I'm also really trying to bring my brand outdoors," Katie added. "I want to cater to outdoor events or people bike-packing or camping, to expand my brand." Trailside Coffee Company brings brews and bikes together