Q&A: The Unique Coffee Culture of Fort Collins
I spoke via email with Steve Stallings, manager of local favorite Mugs Coffee Lounge at The Oval, about what sets one coffee shop apart from the rest and why coffee in Fort Collins is one of a kind. Mugs first opened in 2002, after owner McCabe Callahan traveled to Europe and decided to start an internet café in Fort Collins. The menu includes a full roster of smoothies, tea, coffee, and espresso drinks. As for food, Mugs serves breakfast and lunch, as well as house-made bakery items and some of the city’s most popular breakfast burritos.
Q: With so many coffee shops in the city, what makes Mugs Coffee Lounge stand out?
A: I think our motto says it all, “Community Through Coffee”. We care a lot about the quality of our products, but maybe even more so about the people who are coming through the day. We have a fiercely loyal following of regulars that come in almost daily. I also think we source more local products than most coffee shops and we bake almost everything here in house…Another thing that sets us apart from other coffee shops is that we only charge $1 for coffee, cold brew, Americanos, and tea if you bring in a mug you’ve purchased at Mugs.
Q: What makes Fort Collins unique when it comes to coffee?
A: Fort Collins has a great coffee culture. I think the small town feel is great, where a lot of towns only have Starbucks to get their fix. About what makes Fort Collins unique- I think the fact that people are willing to drive or bike to somewhere they feel is supporting the local community. Places like Starry Night, Bindle and Harbinger are all our friends, not our competition.
Q: Fort Collins is known for its craft beer and microbreweries, and I think one reason for that is the small-town feel you mentioned. People are loyal to their favorites, and it’s great to support local businesses. However, there are lots of people from outside Fort Collins who come here specifically for the beer. Do you think local coffee culture could have that kind of impact one day?
A: I think the only difference between coffee and breweries is you are normally only ordering one drink at a coffee shop, whereas a lot of people will go in for a second or third round at Odell’s — a wise choice indeed!
Q: In your opinion, what makes a good coffee shop?
A: I think a good coffee shop has friendly service, balanced coffee (acidity, body and sweetness all align) and I prefer a place with great food as well. We sell hundred of breakfast burritos per week along with a full breakfast and lunch menu served all day.
