Hold Fast Coffee Co., a prominent name in Colorado Springs’ specialty coffee landscape, has expanded its reach and refined its hospitality ethos with the grand opening of Reception, a sophisticated new establishment that seamlessly blends high-end coffee service with expertly crafted cocktails. Located just a stone’s throw from its original flagship cafe, Reception occupies the former event venue Almagre, sharing a convenient parking lot and signaling a significant evolution for the homegrown brand. This ambitious venture aims to provide a dual-purpose destination, offering meticulously prepared coffee beverages by day and transitioning into a vibrant bar scene featuring artisanal cocktails and curated small plates by evening.
The genesis of Reception, as explained by Hold Fast Coffee Co. Owner Grace Harrison, stems from a deep-seated commitment to hospitality and a desire to provide a more intimate platform for showcasing the nuances of their roastery operations. "Reception was born out of our heart for hospitality, and our desire to really showcase what we’re doing in the roastery," Harrison stated. She highlighted a particular customer favorite: a customizable espresso martini. "Our best seller is a build-your-own espresso martini. You actually get to pick your spirit, pick your coffee and pick a little addition if you want. It’s been really fun," she added, underscoring the interactive and personalized experience Reception offers.
A Sophisticated Ambiance for Day and Night
The interior of Reception is designed to exude an atmosphere of refined elegance. Crystal chandeliers cast a gentle glow from the soaring 20-foot ceilings, illuminating a striking white marble bar. Dominating one section of the bar is a towering Hario Yama slow-drip tower, its intricate glass structure catching and refracting natural light, a testament to the dedication to the craft of coffee preparation. For guests seeking a more relaxed setting, plush velvet couches and comfortable leather chairs are strategically placed, with adjustable curtains available to temper the incoming daylight, ensuring an optimal ambiance regardless of the time of day.
This thoughtful design extends to the operational leadership. Justin Lites, who also serves as Hold Fast Cafe Operations Manager, is spearheading hospitality initiatives at both Reception and the original shop. At Reception, the coffee program is designed to be both comprehensive and approachable. Patrons can explore a diverse range of espresso options, while an expanded brew menu features manual methods such as Hario Switch, AeroPress, and Kalita pour-over, catering to the discerning coffee enthusiast. The establishment is also laying the groundwork for a robust calendar of events, with public cuppings and tastings anticipated to become regular fixtures, further solidifying its role as a hub for coffee education and appreciation.
Elevating the Coffee Experience Through Deliberate Craftsmanship
Hold Fast Wholesale Operations Manager Vinnie Snyder elaborated on the deliberate approach to the coffee program at Reception. "The coffee program is focused a lot more on ‘slow bar,’ being able to offer different brew methods," Snyder explained. This emphasis on slower, more intricate preparation methods allows for a deeper engagement with the coffee itself. Snyder further detailed the customization options available to customers, stating, "If you order a cappuccino, you can choose any of our coffee offerings as your espresso. Things being a little bit more deliberate and a little bit more customizable is the focus compared to the [Hold Fast] cafe." This dedication to individual preference and artisanal preparation is a cornerstone of Reception’s appeal.
The original Hold Fast cafe, which originally opened its doors in 2013 under the name Peak Place Coffeehouse, continues to operate across the parking lot, serving as a familiar and beloved establishment. It offers a robust selection of espresso-based drinks, batch brews, chais, matchas, and sodas, complemented by a menu of breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The distinct operational models of the two venues allow for a tiered approach to customer experience, with the original cafe providing a more accessible and swift service, while Reception caters to those seeking a more immersive and bespoke encounter with coffee and beverages.
A Roastery’s Evolution: From In-House to Expanded Capacity
The foundation of Hold Fast’s expansion lies in its robust in-house roastery, which was established in 2015. This initiative marked a significant step in solidifying the Hold Fast brand identity. In 2023, the company unified its cafe and roastery operations under the singular "Hold Fast" name, reflecting a cohesive vision. The recent establishment of a new, expanded 3,000-square-foot roastery behind the Reception bar signifies a major investment in their roasting capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility houses a San Franciscan SF-25 roaster, significantly increasing their capacity for green coffee storage and roasting. This enhanced infrastructure is crucial for supplying both the original cafe and Reception, as well as supporting their growing wholesale operations.
The leadership within Hold Fast’s roasting division has also seen strategic growth. In January of the current year, Maddison Ratzlaff transitioned into the role of Head Roaster. In this capacity, Ratzlaff is responsible for the critical functions of sourcing and profiling coffees for Hold Fast’s exclusive "Stay True" collection, which features rare and experimental lots. Complementing this role, Nate Bland, Hold Fast’s Roastery Operations Manager, plays a vital part in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of production, while also supporting the core coffee offerings that are central to both the cafe and the broader wholesale program.
Grace Harrison emphasized the collective growth and dedication of the team. "Over the last 11 years of roasting, our team has grown incredibly in their skill level, their passion, their commitment," Harrison remarked. "We’re constantly looking for opportunities to showcase that and continue to bring that passion out to the world." This sentiment underscores the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the development of its human capital, a key driver behind their expansion and innovation.
Expanding Horizons: Wholesale, Training, and Equipment Solutions
As a dedicated roasting company, Hold Fast is strategically leveraging its expanded capacity and enhanced facilities to broaden its reach through wholesale operations. The new Reception space is designed to facilitate this growth, offering additional training and meeting areas that will be invaluable for engaging with wholesale partners. This expansion of services is a direct response to market demand and the company’s ambition to become a more comprehensive partner to other food and beverage businesses.
Furthermore, Hold Fast has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the broader coffee industry by launching "Stay True Coffee Solutions" last year. This specialized service focuses on equipment and is designed to assist other restaurateurs in optimizing their coffee programs. Harrison articulated the value proposition of this service: "[Restaurateurs] poured blood, sweat and tears and years of training and experience to get a restaurant concept dialed in on the food side, and then we get to come in and bring our expertise to help them fully dial in the coffee side." This initiative highlights Hold Fast’s understanding of the interconnectedness of food and beverage service and their desire to elevate the overall customer experience, recognizing coffee as a critical touchpoint. "Coffee’s the first or last thing that people get to enjoy, and we want to make it really excellent for them," she concluded, reinforcing the paramount importance of quality and service in every aspect of their operation.
The establishment of Reception represents a significant milestone for Hold Fast Coffee Co., marking a sophisticated evolution from its origins as a beloved local cafe to a multifaceted entity encompassing artisanal coffee, craft cocktails, a dedicated roastery, and comprehensive industry support services. Located at 2460 Montebello Square Drive in Colorado Springs, Reception is poised to become a cornerstone of the city’s burgeoning culinary and beverage scene, offering a unique and elevated experience for both seasoned coffee aficionados and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The company’s strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, and customer-focused innovation suggest a trajectory of continued growth and influence within the specialty coffee market.