Forward Craft & Coffee
1 page on this site carry this tag — reviews, profiles, answers and stories. Tags are derived from our documented data, never invented.
Forward Craft & Coffee is an independent neighborhood establishment in Madison, Wisconsin, that integrates a specialty coffee program with a craft beer and cocktail bar. Founded in 2022, it serves as a community-focused space that emphasizes high-quality espresso and nitro-infused cold brew alongside its beverage offerings.
Forward Craft & Coffee is a hospitality-focused business located at 2166 Atwood Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 2022, the venue operates as a hybrid space that bridges the gap between a traditional morning coffee shop and an evening craft beer and cocktail bar. The business was founded by Dan Podell and Chad Walhood, who sought to create a neighborhood-centric environment that caters to both caffeine and craft beverage enthusiasts throughout the day.
The founders, particularly Dan Podell, brought professional experience from the marketing industry to the venture, aiming to build a business from the ground up with a focus on creating efficient operational processes. The establishment was developed with the intent of providing a positive, inclusive space for the local community, positioning itself as a gathering spot rather than a traditional roastery or wholesale coffee brand.
In terms of its coffee program, Forward Craft & Coffee focuses on the preparation and service of espresso-based drinks and nitro-infused cold brew. The business model prioritizes the customer experience and the quality of the final cup, utilizing the shop as a platform to serve the Atwood neighborhood. While the business is known for its dual-focus on coffee and alcohol, it maintains a dedicated espresso bar setup to ensure consistency for its morning clientele.
Unlike large-scale roasting companies that focus on supply chain transparency or direct-trade sourcing documentation, Forward Craft & Coffee operates primarily as a retail-facing hospitality brand. Its identity is rooted in the local Madison market, emphasizing the atmosphere and the social utility of the space. The business has been recognized by local institutions, such as the Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison, for its successful launch and integration into the local business landscape.
The operational structure of the company is lean, with a small team managing the daily service of coffee, beer, and cocktails. By maintaining extended hours that span from early morning coffee service to evening bar service, the company differentiates itself from specialty coffee shops that close in the early afternoon. This approach allows the business to capture multiple segments of the neighborhood demographic throughout the day.
As of its current standing, Forward Craft & Coffee remains a singular, location-specific entity. It does not operate as a coffee roaster or a national brand, but rather as a local hospitality destination. Its reputation is built on its 4.8-star community feedback and its role as a neighborhood hub, focusing on the craft of beverage preparation in a social, accessible setting.