News Summary
Rowan Coffee has opened its second location on April 4th at 785 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Refurbished from an old auto garage, the new café features a cozy atmosphere, a roasting area, and a diverse menu including coffee, tea, beer, and pastries from local sources. Owner Bow Smith and designer Jessi Lee Cord have created a welcoming space ideal for socializing and working. With plans for a small kitchen and other offerings, Rowan Coffee aims to become a community hub.
Exciting News in Asheville: Rowan Coffee Opens Second Location!
Asheville buzzes with excitement as Rowan Coffee has officially opened its second location on April 4th! Nestled at 785 Haywood Road, this new café is set to light up West Asheville. The charming spot, which used to house an auto garage, has been lovingly refurbished into a cozy haven for coffee lovers. Picture this: a spacious interior featuring multipaned windows and lovely greenery adorning the ledges, making it a perfect Instagram backdrop.
Cozy Atmosphere for Everyone
At Rowan Coffee, there’s a seat for everyone! You can sink into comfy leather-upholstered booths, perch at the inviting bar, or enjoy the fresh air on a pup-friendly covered patio that fits about 25 guests. It’s the ideal spot to gather with friends, enjoy a good book, or get some work done with a delicious cup of coffee by your side.
A Local Journey
The founder and owner of Rowan Coffee, Bow Smith, is no stranger to the Asheville scene. After moving here in 2019, he had his eyes on this particular building long before it became the lively café it is now. Before the grand opening of his brick-and-mortar store, Smith started off small with a pop-up espresso cart, wowing Asheville residents with his coffee mastery.
Rowan Coffee first opened its doors in September 2021 on Broadway, right across from the Center for Craft. The new Haywood location offers something extra special—its own roasting area! This means that visitors can expect freshly roasted coffee, a delightful upgrade from the previous downtown setup.
All in the Family
With firm ties to the community, Bow took possession of the new building in February 2024, but it’s the artistic touch from his wife, Jessi Lee Cord, that truly brings the new café to life. She handled the entire design process, capturing the essence of what makes Rowan Coffee special and welcoming.
A Diverse Menu to Delight
What’s a coffee shop without a stellar menu? Rowan Coffee serves up a wide range of beverages, from piping hot coffee and iced concoctions to soothing teas and delightful chais. And for those who fancy a nice evening drink, they also offer beer and wine. Don’t forget about the sumptuous pastries sourced from local favorites like Recess in Black Mountain and French Broad Pantry—perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth!
As the team grows, plans are in the works for a small kitchen that will whip up more substantial dishes. This means that soon enough, you’ll be able to enjoy more than just your favorite drink at Rowan Coffee.
Overcoming Hurdles
Even with such enthusiasm, the opening was met with some challenges when Tropical Storm Helene delayed things. However, Bow Smith found support in the local business community, who rallied around him during the process, proving just how tight-knit and encouraging Asheville can be.
A Hub for the Community
The new Rowan Coffee is not just a café but also part of a wave of new businesses sprouting up on Haywood Road, showcasing the vibrant spirit of young entrepreneurship in West Asheville. Operating hours are conveniently set from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. making it a friendly destination for local residents at any time of the day.
So whether you’re in the mood for a latte, a quick bite, or simply want to soak up the community spirit, Rowan Coffee in West Asheville is ready to welcome you with open arms! For more details about the exciting offerings, check out their website and plan your visit today.
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Additional Resources
- AVL Today: Asheville Coffee Scene
- Upstate Business Journal: Coffee Nook Coming
- Eater: Best Coffee in Asheville
- Dwell: Design Lovers Guide to Asheville
- House Beautiful: What to Do in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville Coffee News
- Google Scholar: Asheville Coffee
- Google News: Asheville Rowan Coffee
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
