There has been a lot of scuttlebutt on the street about the opening of Flying Crow Coffee Co.’s micro café, and all the hard work and well-wishes are finally paying off. Friday, February 1st marked the soft opening for this much-anticipated coffee shop located at 3 Main Street in downtown Springfield! Owner (and Chamber board member) Ben Hills was in a cheerful mood, in spite of the long hours he and his wife Samantha (aka: “Sam”) have been putting into the site to get things off the ground. Ben, who recently opened his coffee roasting facility in the downstairs portion of the site, has been working tirelessly to grow his business, and bring a welcoming and high-quality hang-out spot to the community. Asked about the origins of the micro café idea, Ben admits that having a coffee shop was not originally part of his plans. “I’m not exactly a morning person,” Ben chuckled during a conversation over a year ago with Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce board members, who were curious to know if Flying Crow Coffee Co. might become the answer to Springfield’s need for a gathering place to get a good cup of joe. “The idea of waking up early to open a shop every morning wasn’t initially the direction I was planning on heading,” Ben explained, “but as I got to know this community and came to understand the need, it became a logical next step in the development of the business. We’re here to put down roots and we want to bring something special to this town that will serve all the great people who live here.”
The Flying Crow Coffee Co. micro café has a cool and inviting vibe, with the scent of Ben’s rich and robust roasts filling the air, and beautiful paintings accenting the handsome gray walls; arm chairs and artfully decorated little tables are scattered throughout the space, enhancing the casual atmosphere. Both Ben and Sam are exceptionally creative DIYers, and their aesthetic and keen attention to detail is reflected in every aspect of the business. The attractive Flying Crow logo and well-designed branding is tastefully complemented by a painting of crows created by Ben’s mom, and the intent is to have a gallery wall where local artists can display their creations via a commission-based arrangement. On opening morning, Ben and Sam are busy behind the counter, brewing coffee and plating up baked goods, smiling and laughing all the while, as excited customers pop in an out with exclamations of congratulations. Flying Crow Coffee Co. is one in a series of new businesses that have been recently popping up in Springfield, owned and operated by young professionals, and boding well for the future of the community. “We love Springfield!” Ben exclaims, “This town has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and so many amazing people have been involved in helping us to make the vision a reality. We’re excited to be here, and optimistic about the good things to come!”
The Flying Crow Coffee Co. soft opening will span the month of February, during which their hours will be Wednesday through Saturday, 7am to 2pm (closed Sunday – Tuesday), with their grand opening scheduled for Saturday, March 9th. For more information, call 802-289-7175, visit the website at www.flyingcrowcoffee.com, check out their active and entertaining Facebook page, or better yet, stop by the location at 3 Main Street in downtown Springfield and taste for yourself!
Samantha and Ben Hills of Flying Crow Coffee Co. – Springfield’s new micro café!