The neighboring cafe combines old traditions with new experiences – Rocky Mountain Collegian

Sitting in the heart of the Old Town of Fort Collins, the neighbor strives for a neighboring hospitality, allowing every client to find a variety of welcoming experiences in elevated, multifaceted space.

Replacing the volunteer’s cafes on Joe on Joe daily, the neighbor came from a place that wanted to keep this favorite place in the community, while also developing a space that brings something unique and timeless in Fort Collins.

Several members of the neighboring team had a close connection to the cafe, which nourished the desire to help build a third space in the city. They had their official solemn opening on November 15, 2024, and since then they have become a prominent space for the locals.

“I think the seed of the (neighbor) was the time spent here when Joe was daily. It started with our time to travel, walking to other cities and other places that had spaces that looked and felt in a certain way and then wanted to return it to the Old Town. “-Conor Garland, the co -owner

Connor Garland was the director of every day Joe for six years and initially joined the cafe when he was a student at the State University in Colorado. When Timberline Church decides not to use the space anymore, Garland saw the opportunity to maintain and erect the store. He is now one of the owners with Alexandra Ruiz and Samuel Hamel.

“I think the seed of the (neighbor) was the time spent here when Joe was every day,” Garland said. “It started with our trip, walking to other cities and other places that have spaces that looked and felt in a certain way, and then we wanted to bring it back to the Old Town.”

Alexandra Ruiz is the wife and partner of Garland and has more experience in the wedding industry, which also has a significant presence in space. She discovered that at the base of the neighbor, the hospitality was indeed present.

Entering the store, customers are greeted with soft lights and a warm atmosphere. From weddings and baby showers to memorials and music shows, the team works to maintain a neighbor’s charm of the neighbor through the interior and the use of space.

“I think what we are trying to be is not everything for you, but something for everyone you know,” Ruiz said. “We can celebrate and can also grieve; We can party really hard and we can also know when to sit down and listen to people. “

Garland is grateful that there is a team that is constantly intended to provide excellent services, sharing a variety of products with its neighbors, including cookies from Little Bird Bakeshop. The support of the community, both financially and internally came strongly, showing how many part of the neighborhood they had with them.

“(We have taken up) every small project we can do that will help us save some money, but also include our neighborhood and friends,” Garland said. “Construction would not go as quickly without help from many people.”

Inspired by the Union Station design, Ruiz wished to transform a more industrial building, adding different textures, furniture and unique materials to develop it.

“We wanted something that was a timelessness, raised, but still really cozy and welcoming,” Ruiz said. “We wanted to illuminate the space, especially when we painted it white.”

Christian Sanders is one of Garland’s friends and works as a bartender with a neighbor. As he became more passionate about mixology, Sanders found an interest in joining more at the store bar and made kind memories when he joined the team. To be able to add more alcoholic beverages to the menu and share them with the Fort Collins Community was special for it.

“Everyone can feel welcome here and can host the things that people are passionate about is really soothing for this basic vision – I feel happy and blessed to do it,” Sanders said. “It’s always about the human connection between the people behind the bar and the people who order there, guaranteeing that we can provide joy and happiness.”

Garland said he hoped they would continue to grow organically and provide customers with real high achievements to the neighbor. Sanders is an optimistic about what the future has, and he hopes to continue to encourage an atmosphere of welcoming hospitality, covering all those who come in.

“I think welcoming another set of people who find their passions is a really huge deal for me,” Sanders said. “To be able to share this with people who pass through the door is something that keeps me here and makes me walk every day.”

Reach to Sananda Chandi at [email protected] or on Twitter @CsucollegianS