Specialty coffee interest growing in Wichita

Diner coffee is literally a category of coffee service, much like donut shop coffee. If you hear those words, you know exactly what you are getting: weak, over-extracted (bitter) coffee, but in endless supplies. But times are changing for coffee service inside restaurants. Customer tastes are changing and the option for specialty coffee while dining out is becoming more of an attraction, if not an expectation.

One of the newest additions to Reverie’s customer base is the longest-running restaurant in Wichita’s history. Livingston’s, now located in NE Wichita, has been serving customers for 109 years. “Coffee has been a staple in our restaurant going all the way back to 1910,” says owner Jeanne Shaft. “It’s probably the most popular item on our menu, both now and back then.”

Livingston’s owner, Jeanne Shaft, now serving Reverie coffee by request.

Jeanne listens to her customers and does her best to give them what they want. As their tastes change, restaurants are faced with the decision as to whether or not their product should change to accommodate the audience. “Wichitans like their coffee,” Jeanne adds.

“Coffee has changed a lot over the years and now there are so many wonderful varieties and flavors,” Jeanne continued. “We like offering local products and we think this is one of the best.”

Livingston’s owner, Jeanne (center), and servers, Mary (right) & Kerrie (left).

Adding value to the businesses we serve is how Reverie makes coffee partnerships work. Not only do we create coffee for their customers to consume, but we are also working diligently to find more ways to help build our businesses together.

“We like Reverie Coffee Roasters, first of all, because they are a local business,” says Jeanne. “On top of that, their coffee is roasted in house and is very good.”

Relationships go a long way in building trust, which is a vital part of any successful partnership. “When Reverie began meeting with Jeannie over two years ago,” explained Reverie owner, Andrew Gough, “we spent time learning about the needs of the restaurant and the staff. We didn’t want to shake things up at all; it had to work out just right.”

Jason Hendry, Reverie GM-Wholesale, in front of Wichita History Mural at Livingston’s.

Jeanne added, “Also, we have been serving Andy’s dad at Livingston’s for many years.” I guess that may have something to do with it!

Reverie couldn’t be happier to serve our specialty coffee at Livingston’s. When you order coffee, be sure to ask for Reverie coffee. It is currently featured as a specialty upgrade until the customers decide it’s the only coffee for them.

To learn more about the history of Livingston’s, you can read about it in this week’s Wichita Eagle story by Denise Neil. Here’s a link to the story in her column, Dining With Denise.

Mark Pendergrass, local Wichita painter, recreating a vintage photo inside Livingston’s.

Livingston’s
9747 E. 21st Street
Wichita, KS 67206
Website: www.livingstonsjeanne.com

Sour Cream Raisin Pie and a cup of Reverie coffee at Livingston’s.