OnTheTable: The New Switchback Coffee Roasters

Switchback Coffee grows & expands

Switchback coffee Roasters

330 N Institute St.

www.switchbackroasters.com

Hours: Daily: 6am-6pm

Prices: Coffee, $2.50-$5; Food, $3-$10

What you need to know: A top Springs cafe and roaster, growing itself and its community 

Switchback Roasters is an integral member of the Springs’ coffee community. Numerous talent have been burgeoned and bolstered at Switchback’s cafe and roastery, many of whom have then ventured on to begin their own, local coffee projects.

On The Table sat down with primary-owner, Brandon DelGrosso, to discuss Switchback’s plans for the future, and learn about ways the community can become involved in Switchback’s rapid growth. (Disclosure: On The Table will be partnering with Switchback by way of investment.)

We’ve all noticed the “FOR SALE” sign in front of the cafe. Is Switchback leaving us?

Switchback has been growing, and is alive and well. The building that we currently rent is for sale. We are in the process of purchasing it because we’d love to continue to do what we do. The growth we’d like to accomplish has, in some ways, been stunted because we don’t have full ownership. With our purchase of the building we can continue to make this more of a community space, and grow it further. 

What plans does Switchback have associated with purchasing this building?

We want to create a better community hub. With some remodeling, the cafe’s basement will become rentable, artists’ studios. This will be a great space for local artists or start-up businesses. We’re also intending to host monthly, artist events.

We’d love to create, via local artists, a community oriented mural on our Boulder Street side. Also, we are planning a multi-stage process of combining our cafe and roastery for more seating, and to create space for baking our own goods—even having a dedicated, gluten-free oven.

Rumors circle that you are planing a second location. What can you tell us?

Three community locations have approached us, asking us to create a similar cafe experience as the one we have here. Currently, we are leaning towards the Springs’ west side to create a full-service cafe with multiple seating areas and a focus on an expanded menu.

Tell us about your new menu.

The new menu was designed in-house. Our lead team started dreaming up a menu that has local, fresh ingredients that can cater to everyone, including vegan and gluten-free customers. We took our existing menu and elevated it to match the excellence of our coffee.

The Review

The elevated menu ranges from breakfast sweet, like the Vanilla Short Stack ($10, a sophisticated trio of dense yet springy pancakes layered with fruity compote and nutty granola—perhaps the most elegant menu item), to breakfast savory, like the Avocado Toast ($10, filling and hearty sourdough, spicy honey sriracha, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and complex herb sauce), to lunch savory, like the Grilled Cheese ($6, melty gouda and gruyere with giardiniera and fresh dill—flanked by a picante, tomato based soup with green chilies for $3).

Switchback continues to offer superior cafe beverages, such as expertly crafted cappuccinos ($3.50), and deftly prepared pour-overs: from the bright and woodsy Panama ($3.50) to the refreshingly acidic El Salvador ($4).  

To partner with Switchback, contact Brandon via email: brandon@switchbackroasters.com. 

For additional food-centric reviews and tips, or to make a comment, visit On The Table at facebook.com/onthetablereviews.