Merchandise Food's Favorite Coffee Experience of 2016: Arsaga's in Fayetteville, Arkansas

As a food merchandising consultant, last year's travels took us across the U.S. for a fun bunch of unique food industry projects but also simultaneously my entirely informal review of America's greatest coffeehouses, cafes, and espresso bars. Granted, any coffeehouse in a city I did not visit had a serious handicap in this exercise.  Yet, frequent travel provides ample opportunities to sample and experience coffee in a variety of translations and retail environments.  I've asked one of our writers to research and chronicle a bit more below to share in more narrative about an everyday visit to my favorite coffee experience in 2016: Arsagas Coffee: 

Thank you for your coffee, Seignor. I shall miss that when we leave Casablanca, ‘as Ingrid Bergman spoke in her hushed, husky tone making Casablanca one of the most celebrated movies in Hollywood, she also elevated that quintessential warm mug of smoking coffee to new heights. Be it falling in love over a steaming cup, or just taking an idle break and penning down words like author Ernest Hemingway often did in a pleasant and friendly café, over a café au lait, it’s always an exciting experience to just sit and laze at a café of your choice. But what about a café that brings hearts together and unites a community through love and friendship? It stands to create history for sure.  Just like Arsaga’s Coffee Shop did at Fayetteville.

Brainchild of owners Cindy and Cary Arsaga, who ironically didn’t meet over a cup of coffee and even did not drink coffee before thinking of opening their first cafe, Arsaga’s Espresso Café, did finally turn out to be a community meeting ground. It turned out to be a community’s delight, better than any college town bar could ever offer. Coffee turned a communicator between people, bringing them together. Arsaga’s café still holds on to that communicating role.

Not just creating a perfect nest for coffee lovers with a designer décor, owners at Arsaga’s cafe took care to make a signature menu with their own roasted coffee beans, and succeeded with sheer determination and dedication to bridge the diverse university community of Fayetteville over an affordable coffee cup and mouth-watering tit bits. Today, this multi-chain outlet with shops at Gregg Avenue, Crossover Road, within Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville Public Library and even inside the university’s law school has added hand-made croissants, muffins, quiche, Ava’s little chocolate chip cookies, and other baked items at very low price on their delicious menu.
​
Come to Arsaga’s outlets and one feels liberated through a community connect. The funky, fun-filled looks of the café with closed spacing, ensures none of the customers feel alone. And what more, coffee customers can also admire paintings by local artists displayed at their outlets, and groove to some country music played live. Or just pick one of the selling bags of their own roasted beans at their stores, and try it at home for their perfect blend. A team of innovative chefs help to evolve the menu, by adding special sauces, or even a house- made kimchi. Taste them for sure. So next time you land up at Fayetteville, do not forget to connect over a cup of Arsaga’s coffee and remember those dreamy eyes of Bergman. 

So in conclusion here's what made my particular first hand experience great:

• Meticulously pulled shots and hand-crafted artisan drinks.  
• Unique 2.0 level espresso beverages with culinary herbs, syrups, and remarkable flavors. 
• Straight-up over-the-top comfort food & snacks with quality ingredients  (Where else can you get a great coffee and uniquely topped Hand-Cut Fries?)
• Artisan Swet Crepes - with liquor and book oranges!
• Hand-made scones with bacon and crystalized maple
• Culinary topped Signature Toasts
• And If you visit the Depot Location, a charming old rail station as the setting.

​Thanks to Cary & Team for a hospitable visit and best ventures into a successful 2017!