Airship Coffee at Coler

Airship Coffee is an independent specialty coffee roaster based in Bentonville, Arkansas, founded by Mark and Amber Bray. The company’s origins trace back to 2008, when the founders began importing green coffee after Mark Bray’s work in sustainable agriculture in Central America exposed him to the challenges farmers faced in accessing equitable global markets. For the first eight years of its existence, the company operated primarily as a wholesale roaster, supplying coffee to various regional establishments before opening its first retail café at its 5th Street roastery in 2018.

The Airship location at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, which opened in the fall of 2020, serves as a primary example of the company’s focus on 'placemaking.' Situated along the trails of the preserve, the café was designed to encourage a slower, more mindful consumption experience. This location marked a significant expansion for the brand, moving beyond the traditional urban coffee shop model to integrate directly into outdoor recreational spaces, a move that has garnered national attention for its unique setting.

Airship’s sourcing philosophy is rooted in the relationships established during the founders' early work in Central America. The company emphasizes farm-level innovation and maintains direct connections with partner farmers to ensure quality and equitable trade practices. This commitment to the supply chain is intended to support the farmers' hard work while providing the roastery with high-quality green coffee for their diverse menu of espresso, pour-over, and cold brew offerings.

Operationally, the company has grown from a small-scale roastery using humble equipment—such as a popcorn machine in its early days—to a multi-location enterprise. Despite this growth, the company maintains a focus on craft, with staff members regularly participating in cupping and test-roasting sessions. The brand is known for its signature blends, such as the 'Buffalo Blend,' and its practice of rotating single-origin offerings, which are often highlighted through their online subscription services and retail presence.

Beyond the Coler location, Airship has continued to expand its footprint in Northwest Arkansas, including the opening of 'The Porch' on the Walmart campus. Each location is designed to offer a distinct experience, ranging from neighborhood-focused cafes to destination spots like the one at Coler. This strategy of creating unique, site-specific environments is central to the company's identity and its approach to hospitality.

Today, Airship Coffee stands as a notable example of a regional roaster that has successfully scaled while maintaining an independent identity. By balancing its wholesale operations with a growing network of destination-worthy cafes, the company has established itself as a significant player in the Arkansas specialty coffee scene, recognized both for its sourcing transparency and its creative approach to retail architecture.