Aromas at Flagship Commons

Today is opening day for our newest coffeehouse location at Flagship Commons.  This "uncommon food hall" has been in the works for months now, and we couldn't be more excited to be part of it all.

Our shop will carry the same delicious baked goods and drinks that you have come to know and love from our other two locations, along with a few new new additions to the family.  For instance, we have nitro cold brew on tap.  Yep, let the idea of that sink in for just a second.  Our same iced Toddy made with Hardy Coffee Co.'s Benchmark roast, but in a keg and infused with nitrogen--it is extra smooth and looks/feels a lot like a Guinness.  We are also carrying a variety of ice cream from our friends at Ted and Wally's.  This is delightful on its own, of course, but we can also top it with a shot of espresso to make an affogato or that same nitro for a Toddy float.

While you're here, we would strongly suggest that you eat at every single restaurant concept (maybe not all on the same day, but definitely all of them).  Because, whoa, are they ever delicious.  Being invited to work alongside Flagship Restaurant Group has been a complete honor and fantastic learning experience.  These folks are committed to quality food and an exceptional experience that is homegrown right here in Omaha.  The food is fresh and innovative and not at all what you expect at a mall.  We love that because every person and every place deserves quality food/drink.  

And, it's not just the restaurants that are local.  Everything about this project has been and we have loved working with our neighbors to create a uniquely Omaha experience.  Little things like our water purification folks (Futuramic's Clean Water Center), and custom draft installers (Draft Texs), and sign makers (Omaha Neon Sign Company), and hand letterers (Arbor Street Studios), and display case builders (Timbersmith), and videographers (Edison Creative), to crazy  huge things like the architect (Alley Poyner), and countless contractors and tradesmen, and the branding agency (Secret Penguin) are all from right here in Omaha.  

They've all been exceptional.  And make me proud to be part this city.  

We sure love sharing Omaha with you, too, and can't wait to serve you here.

 

Some Days of Bliss-mas (T-shirts!)

Comfy and stylish. Tattoos not included. 

We realize it's possible some people might want to celebrate the holidays with something other than a delicious baked good or some expertly brewed specialty coffee. While we don't understand those people, we do understand that scones and lattes don't ship particularly well. 

In addition to all your coffee and bakery needs, you can also swing by the shops (or online) for some comfy and stylish t-shirts. In addition to "The Benson" (shown above) we also offer the "Downtown Street Shirt", "Hardy Coffee Co.," and the "Aromas Brewing Shirt." All different styles, all the same kind of comfy. 

See you soon! 

Some Days of Bliss-mas (Egg Nog Lattes and Peppermint Everything!)

This is what the holidays taste like. 

The bakery is making hot chocolate and gingerbread cupcakes, the shops are decorated with garland, so you better believe we have some festive drinks for you this season. Stop by any of our shops for a hot chocolate, mocha, or latte made with homemade peppermint syrup, or an egg nog latte! 

Holiday cheers. 

Some Days of Bliss-mas (Holiday Gift Cards!)

Pretty and useful. 

Our gift cards got dressed up for the holidays. What better way to make someone's season than giving them the gift of warmth, comfort, and caffeine? Our schmancy holiday gift cards are useful for coffee, baked goods, whole bean coffee, t-shirts, or even a membership! I challenge you to find a more delicious and versatile stocking stuffer.

Available in both shops, or online!  

Some Days of Bliss-Mas (Festive cakes/cupcakes!)

A reward for being on the nice list. 

We love the holidays for a lots of reasons (at least 12), but mostly it's a great excuse to make some crazy delicious cakes and cupcakes. If you're looking to add some holiday cheer to your dessert lineup, we would love to whip up some hot chocolate, pomegranate, gingerbread, or eggnog cakes or cupcakes for your next celebration.

We don't have a favorite, but it's worth mentioning the hot chocolate is filled with peppermint ganache and topped with marshmallow frosting. Deck the halls with that stuff, if you know what's good. 

Give the bakery a call at (402) 934-7450 to place an order! 

Some Days of Bliss-mas (Membership Keychains!)

The gift that quite literally keeps on giving. 

On the first day of Bliss-mas, the first thing that you need, is a keychain that makes stuff more freeeee.

Ok, the lyrics may need work, but these discounts are fine-tuned and ready to make this year cheerful and caffeinated. 

2016 memberships are now available at both shops. For $45, this schmancy keychain (made by our friends at MTRL) gets you 15% off EVERYTHING for the entire calendar year. Coffee, baked goods, whole bean Hardy coffee, t-shirts, mugs, even clever brewers and filters! In addition to this discount, members receive an additional monthly "member perk" (free drinks, cupcakes, extra discounts, etc.), and exclusive invites to classes and events. Our members mean a lot to us, so we like to treat 'em real well.  

Already a 2015 member? You can use your 15% discount to buy your 2016 membership! 

We hope you'll consider joining our little family. Either way, we can't wait to see you in the shops this holiday season for coffee christmas shopping, celebrating with friends, or just getting warm.

It's the Great Pumpkin Spice Latte...

Latte by Barista Extraordinaire, Brady Wells.

There is just something about a chill in the air that has us running to the spice rack to cozy up our coffee game. We will be the first to admit that we get a little pumpkin crazy this time of year but we would venture to guess that you will, too, once give our house-made pumpkin syrup a try. We have sold the famous PSL in the past with a thick, store-bought sauce, but this year we did the signature drink on our own terms. It is a delightful combination of pumpkin puree and spices that is sweetened with just the right amount of brown sugar for our specialty coffee (from http://www.hardycoffee.com/) to still be the star.  If you happen to not be a coffee fan (gasp!) we still have a lovely seasonal option for you in the way of a pumpkin chai latte.
  
Check out the link to the Omaha World Herald article below for information about our fall bakery items, as well!     

http://www.omaha.com/living/pumpkin-spice-is-everywhere-and-it-s-not-just-making/article_4510c8da-8725-11e5-855e-0754fe448c7b.html

Summertime Sippin'

Photo by Hope Jewell

Summertime is weird for hot coffee. Our instincts send us straight to the ice, but our mornings still need something hot and delicious. It is hard to find a coffee both hot and refreshing - something to make your tastebuds happy without making you sweat before the summer sun is up. 

We have just the thing. Our brand new offering - Brazil Cocarive- is the ideal coffee for your summer needs. 

Our friends at Hardy Coffee Co. really nailed this one. A naturally processed Brazilian coffee, this brew has notes of honey and berries that will give your tastebuds plenty to enjoy while maintaining the smooth, refreshing body essential for a good summertime coffee. 

To help you get acquainted with this new coffee, we are offering 4 oz sample bags at both locations for just $5. 

If you want to drop some coffee knowledge when you share your sample bag with a friend, tell them this coffee is from the Cocarive collective, grown on the farms of the Pereira family, one of the most well-respected coffee producers in South America, and consistent producers of award-winning coffee. 

We are very excited about this refreshing new offering, and we look forward to sharing it with you soon! 

Brown Bag Lunch Launch!

We just hit the one week mark of our new lunch offerings, and it turns out that taste-testing is my favorite thing.  Chef Corey has spearheaded our brown bag lunch program, inspired by fresh summer flavors and with you, our customer, in mind.  
We've heard you.  
You said that you are looking for something healthy and convenient and available to grab and go with your morning cup of coffee.  So, just like a doting parent, we pack a lunch for you every day (except Sunday). It is available at our downtown shop or in Benson.  These offerings will change seasonally, but the current menu is listed below for your meal planning convenience.

If you would like to order lunch for your office or a large group, just give us a couple of day's notice and we would love to feed your hungry masses.

Monday:  kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, and arugula salad with a mustard vinaigrette, served with a hardboiled egg, baguette, and your choice of fruit, cookie or bar.

Tuesday:  curry tuna stuffed tomato served with baby dill pickles, sea salt potato chips, and your choice of fruit, cookie, or bar.

Wednesday:  watermelon/mint/feta salad served with a hardboiled egg, baguette, and your choice of fruit, cookie, or bar.

Thursday:  couscous salad (with heirloom tomatoes, feta, green onions and various deliciousness) served with grapes, sea salt potato chips, and your choice of fruit, cookie, or bar.

Friday:  kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, and arugula salad with a mustard vinaigrette, served with a hardboiled egg, baguette, and your choice of fruit, cookie or bar.

Saturday:  goat cheese/cream cheese stuffed dates, wrapped in prosciutto, served with baby dill pickles, baguette, and your choice of fruit, cookie, or bar.  

*feta is always served on the side for our dairy-free customers and the baguettes and chips are vegan.
 

#1 Coffee Dad

photo by Hope Jewell

My dad loves two things: learning and coffee. As a seasoned veteran of receiving cheesy father’s day gifts, he has all the ties, khaki socks, and “#1 Dad” mugs a guy could ever want. Now he wants something delicious to put in that mug. 

This year, Hardy Coffee Co. has you covered, Dad. 

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift, or just looking to up your domestic coffee game, join Nick and Julianna for a coffee extraction workshop on Saturday, June 27 from 10am-Noon. This workshop will focus specifically on one of our favorite brewing methods: the Clever. Participants will receive not only hands-on training and a wealth of coffee knowledge, but their very own Clever brewer and whole bean coffee for home. There are only a few spots left in this class, so click here to reserve your spot! 

If you are looking for a gift that keeps on giving, our coffee subscription program will deliver fresh, locally roasted coffee to your door every month.

Whether it’s a spot in our Clever class, a coffee subscription, an Aromas gift card, or a cake from Bliss Old Market Bakery, we would love to help make this Father’s Day a little more joyful and caffeinated. Because a caffeinated dad is a happy dad.

Hardy Coffee Co.--Grand Opening Giveaways!

Tomorrow is the big day, friends, our grand opening for Hardy Coffee Co!
We have some really incredible prizes to giveaway and wanted to list them here today in an effort to bribe....er...encourage...you to stop by.

1 very stylish Bench T-shirt ($15 value)
5 day pass to the Bench Studio Commons ($8 value each) 
1 year subscription to Hardy Coffee Co.  ($178 value)
2 tickets to Omaha's Caffeine Crawl--May 16th ($27 value each)
1 ticket to Big Omaha--May 7th-8th ($599 value)

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!  These are seriously some of our favorite people and not just because they donated awesome prizes to give to you.  They are wonderful community partners, day-in and day-out.

We will also be selling our brand new Hardy Coffee T-shirts tomorrow--designed by our friend and coffee fanatic, Adam Trabold. 
We sure hope you can make it.
RSVP here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hardy-coffee-co-grand-opening-tickets-16566002359 Come one, come all.

Hardy Coffee Co.--Grand Opening!

We have been roasting Hardy Coffee out of our new space for a little over a month now.  It is time to cordially invite you to come see the new digs!  This Friday night (4/24) at Bench from 7:00-9:00pm we will have music, food, and some really great giveaways to go along with lots and lots of our coffee for your to try.  Our neighbors at Hooten Images will be helping with a photo booth so make sure to comb your hair and practice your best coffee-loving expressions.  We sure hope you can make it out.  Please RSVP through the link below so we have plenty of espresso shortbread cookies to go around.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hardy-coffee-co-grand-opening-tickets-16566002359