Books and low, espresso and books. This stuff go along with easy, pleasurable ease, a mug of one thing scrumptious within the one hand, an excellent learn within the different. In Omaha, Nebraska, Zen Espresso Firm are taking the books-and-coffee unified paradigm to the subsequent stage by opening up a spiffy new area contained in the Downtown Omaha Central Library. The store opened in spring, and we’re thrilled to be that includes it right here in June as an early hit in our 2026 Construct-Outs collection.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is introduced by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
As informed to Sprudge by Abby McLeay.
For many who aren’t acquainted, will you inform us about your organization?
Zen Espresso Firm was based in 2017 in downtown Omaha with the aim of making greater than only a espresso store. We wished to construct intentional areas the place individuals genuinely really feel welcomed, related, and cozy slowing down for a second. Through the years, that’s grown into a number of areas throughout Omaha and Lincoln, however the coronary heart behind it has stayed the identical: top quality espresso, significant hospitality, and community-focused areas that really feel heat and approachable.
As an organization, we’ve all the time tried to steadiness glorious espresso with a wonderful expertise. We put an enormous emphasis on coaching, consistency, sustainability, and visitor connection as a result of we consider individuals bear in mind how an area made them really feel simply as a lot as what they drank. Whether or not somebody is stopping in for a fast latte, working for a number of hours, assembly a buddy, or learning all day, we would like Zen to really feel like a spot they’ll settle into.
Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the new area?
The brand new location inside Downtown Omaha Central Library is actually one of the vital significant initiatives we’ve ever been a part of. Libraries naturally signify neighborhood, schooling, creativity, and accessibility, which aligns so intently with what we’ve all the time hoped Zen might contribute to a metropolis.
The area itself was designed to really feel built-in into the library moderately than separate from it. We wished it to really feel calm, shiny, welcoming, and purposeful for every kind of friends, whether or not that’s college students, professionals, households, or individuals merely searching for a spot to exist comfortably for some time. There are numerous intentional particulars within the design that tie into each the structure of the library and the heat individuals affiliate with espresso retailers.
Opening week was unbelievable and a bit overwhelming in one of the simplest ways. The assist from the neighborhood has been enormous, and it’s been thrilling seeing the cafe turn into such an energetic gathering area so rapidly!!
What’s your method to espresso?
Our method has all the time been high quality first, but additionally accessibility. We take espresso significantly, however we by no means need individuals to really feel intimidated by it. We focus closely on sourcing, coaching, consistency, and preparation whereas nonetheless creating an atmosphere that feels approachable and enjoyable.
Our espresso profile is deliberately a bit extra coffee-forward and we concoct much less overly candy drinks than many giant chains that presently oversaturate Omaha, Nebraska. We actually need the espresso itself to shine via, whether or not somebody is consuming it straight or in a flavored latte. On the identical time, we additionally acknowledge that espresso tradition evolves, and clients need creativity and pleasure too. That’s why we lean into seasonal menus, specialty drinks, flights, and new traits whereas nonetheless sustaining high quality requirements behind the scenes.
On the finish of the day, espresso is each a craft and a hospitality enterprise. You can also make an unbelievable drink, but when the expertise feels chilly or transactional, individuals received’t connect with it. For us, the aim is all the time to make individuals really feel cared for from the second they stroll via the door, it doesn’t matter what they order!
Any machines, coffees, particular gear lined up?
We associate with our expensive associates at Dapper & Sensible for espresso, this location has a customized Rancilio Classe 7, Mazzer grinders, plus gear by Origami, Gradual Pour Provide, and Acaia.
How is your challenge contemplating sustainability?
Sustainability has been an vital a part of Zen Espresso Firm from the start, so it was one thing we deliberately thought-about all through this challenge as nicely. Operationally, we work laborious to scale back waste wherever doable. We associate with native composting and recycling applications to divert a considerable amount of our day by day waste from landfills, together with espresso grounds, meals waste, paper merchandise, and compostable service gadgets. We additionally prioritize biodegradable packaging, reusable dine-in ware when doable, and extra sustainable sourcing practices via our espresso partnerships.
We additionally assume sustainability extends past environmental impression. Making a community-centered area that folks genuinely use and care about issues too. Libraries are already unbelievable shared neighborhood sources, so having the ability to contribute to an atmosphere the place individuals can collect, examine, work, and join in a single shared area felt very aligned with our values.
What’s your hopeful goal opening date/month?
We opened April 19, 2026
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you simply’d like to say?
Designed HDR and Omaha Library Basis. Constructed by Kiewit
Thanks!
Thank YOU.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is introduced by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
