Books and occasional, espresso and books. This stuff associate with easy, pleasurable ease, a mug of one thing scrumptious within the one hand, a very good 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 house 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 sequence.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is offered by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
As advised 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 objective of making greater than only a espresso store. We wished to construct intentional areas the place folks genuinely really feel welcomed, linked, and comfy 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 at all times tried to stability glorious espresso with a wonderful expertise. We put an enormous emphasis on coaching, consistency, sustainability, and visitor connection as a result of we consider folks keep 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 pal, or learning all day, we would like Zen to really feel like a spot they will settle into.
Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the new house?
The brand new location inside Downtown Omaha Central Library is truthfully some of the significant tasks we’ve ever been a part of. Libraries naturally characterize group, schooling, creativity, and accessibility, which aligns so carefully with what we’ve at all times hoped Zen may contribute to a metropolis.
The house itself was designed to really feel built-in into the library somewhat than separate from it. We wished it to really feel calm, brilliant, welcoming, and useful for every kind of company, whether or not that’s college students, professionals, households, or folks merely on the lookout for a spot to exist comfortably for some time. There are quite a lot of intentional particulars within the design that tie into each the structure of the library and the heat folks affiliate with espresso outlets.
Opening week was unbelievable and a little bit overwhelming in the easiest way. The help from the group has been large, and it’s been thrilling seeing the cafe turn into such an lively gathering house so rapidly!!
What’s your method to espresso?
Our method has at all times been high quality first, but in addition accessibility. We take espresso critically, however we by no means need folks to really feel intimidated by it. We focus closely on sourcing, coaching, consistency, and preparation whereas nonetheless creating an setting that feels approachable and enjoyable.
Our espresso profile is deliberately a little bit extra coffee-forward and we concoct much less overly candy drinks than many massive chains that at the moment oversaturate Omaha, Nebraska. We actually need the espresso itself to shine by means of, 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 prospects 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, folks gained’t hook up with it. For us, the objective is at all times to make folks really feel cared for from the second they stroll by means of the door, it doesn’t matter what they order!
Any machines, coffees, particular gear lined up?
We accomplice with our expensive buddies at Dapper & Clever for espresso, this location has a customized Rancilio Classe 7, Mazzer grinders, plus gear by Origami, Gradual Pour Provide, and Acaia.
How is your undertaking contemplating sustainability?
Sustainability has been an essential a part of Zen Espresso Firm from the start, so it was one thing we deliberately thought of all through this undertaking as effectively. Operationally, we work arduous to scale back waste wherever doable. We accomplice with native composting and recycling packages to divert a considerable amount of our each 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 by means of our espresso partnerships.
We additionally suppose sustainability extends past environmental impression. Making a community-centered house that individuals genuinely use and care about issues too. Libraries are already unbelievable shared group assets, so with the ability to contribute to an setting the place folks can collect, research, work, and join in a single shared house 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 just’d like to say?
Designed HDR and Omaha Library Basis. Constructed by Kiewit
Thanks!
Thank YOU.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is offered by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
