Topeca Coffee Owner to Create Coffee, Wine, Cocktail Bar

cupping at Topeca (Facebook Photo)

The owner of Topeca Coffee, a coffee roastery with direct links to two El Salvador plantations and processing facility, has announced plans to open a cafe and cocktail lounge in downtown Tulsa, Okla.

The company is currently hiring all positions for a coffee, wine and craft cocktail bar called Hodges Bend. Topeca currently operates two other retail coffee shops in Tulsa.

Topeca owner John Gaberino recently told the Tulsa World that he’s been envisioning the hybrid concept for years, but was wanted to be sure he found a mixologist who could make the concept work, as well as properly train staff. He says he found that in Noah Bush, his partner for the new venture.

“The education for employees is a huge aspect because if you go and ask for a cup coffee or glass of wine and that barista or sommelier makes a recommendation without really listening or understanding or knowing what the flavors are in the drink that he is offering, there is a disconnect,” Gaberino told the paper.

Here’s the Hodges Bend Facebook page.