By William J. Dagendesh
In fall 2020, Justin and Katie Snyder, then Manitou Springs residents, were relaxing at The Loft Espresso when they happened on an opportunity to buy the establishment.
It was high watermark of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Katie, an art teacher at Harrison High School, and Justine, who was self-employed, sought a career change.
“The pandemic had drastically affected the classroom experience and my overall well-being as an educator. Justin and I were in the right place at the right time and desperate for an opportunity,” said Katie.
Without any business experience, the couple bought the establishment from Bella McElroy and threw themselves into managing the coffee business.
Since then, Loft Espresso, in the Spa Building, has kept customers caffeinated with its assortment of roasted coffee, non-coffee beverages, nitro cold brew, espresso drinks, tea, kombucha on tap and small breakfast and lunch menus.
“Our breakfast and lunch items are made to order, never frozen, and served with the intention of making you feel like an old friend,” Katie said.
The Snyders, who now live in Cascade, inherited the company name when they bought the café and decided to continue its legacy.
“It always had a consistent crowd of loyal Manitoids and we didn’t want to scare people with big changes right away,” Katie said.
The café interior boasts all the comforts of home.
Music from rock band Phish fills the air, and abstract and nature paintings decorate the walls. Assorted plants, books, couches, chairs, hand-painted green and orange plant murals and a turn-of-the-century wooden phone booth give the café a relaxed environment. Face masks are not required.
Katie said they usually add something new each week, be it new coffee-brewing equipment or furniture to better accommodate its growing customer base.
“Our food menu has really taken off, so we’ve focused on upgrading our kitchen space. We don’t skimp on non-practical improvements like our vintage phone booth that sits in the corner, just for fun.
“Our food and drink menu is ever revolving, and we hope to narrow down and master all our favorites,” Katie said.
Wading through tons of paperwork and the COVID-19 pandemic have been the Snyders’ only obstacles.
“We started a business during a time that is challenging for anyone in the food and beverage industry. Between COVID closures, supply chain disruption and soaring food and packaging costs, we got a taste of how hard it can be (right) off the bat,” Katie said.
Creating a space for the community to connect with their neighbors is the best part about serving the public, she said.
“We do not offer Wi-Fi and prefer that the Loft does not become another typical coffee shop work space. There is a lost art of face-to-face communications and we hope to bring that back,” Katie said.
The Snyders hope to add beer and wine beverages to their menu, and expand the playing time of local bands that have performed there. Both agree their efforts have paid dividends, resulting in 5-star ratings from many repeat patrons.
“We would like to give a shout-out to everyone who has helped us make the Loft what it is, including our friends, local vendors, our friends at Old World Bagel and our most loyal customer, Gary Miller,” Katie said.
IF YOU GO: The Loft Espresso, 934 Manitou Ave. No. 105, is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. every day, Information: 740-517-7620.