The third wave of coffee is a movement to grow high-quality coffee and to consider coffee an artisanal drink like a fine wine or beer. The movement is new to Northwest Arkansas and Onyx Coffee Lab is the first third-wave shop to break ground in the area. They first set up shop in Springdale, AR before opening a second location in Fayetteville. Recently, Onyx opened their third location on the Bentonville square.
The design and decor of each shop perfectly reflects the influence of metropolitan culture and the back drop of the Ozark mountains. Picture reclaimed wood covering the wall, stark white counter tops on the bar, and succulents filling empty shelf space. The coffee is nothing short of delicious and the baristas bring life to every drink.
Like most small coffee shops, Onyx does not advertise using print or commercial advertisements but they don't rely solely on word of mouth either. Instead, they invite people into their shops to show them that their coffee is better during Cuppings. Cuppings teach customers about high-quality coffee and superior roasting techniques is already changing the behavior of faithful coffee drinkers. Onyx has opened the door for more third-wave coffee shops to move into the area. Onyx also hosts latte art throw down competitions between baristas in the area. All baristas and coffee lovers are welcome to the events. These events are great opportunities to network and build relationships with people from the community.