Expanding on a Great Thing
Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro has been a local staple in Topeka since 2010. Known for good coffee, good food and good people, many of their customers have been frequenting the joint since long before owners Jayson and Lauren North took over the former Lola’s Café. But in recent weeks, the couple has brought in two new partners and look to shake things up a little over the next several months.
Danny and Valerie Williams, both Topeka natives, have recently joined the Blackbird family as managing partners. No stranger to owning businesses, they’re excited to learn a new industry and expand on what they consider an already successful business.
“Blackbird has an incredible following of amazing people,” said Valerie Williams. “We have really enjoyed getting to know everyone and hope we can bring some fun and creative ideas to a business that’s proven to be successful for many years.”
Danny Williams, who previously owned Goose I and Goose II in Topeka, as well as the former Phoggy Dog Sports Bar and The Barrel House Dueling Piano Bar in Lawrence, Kan. says he’s really enjoying the coffee business and hopes he can bring value to longtime friends and current owners, Jayson and Lauren North.
“Jayson and Lauren have built such a great thing at Blackbird,” said Danny. “The last thing we want to do is come in and change what’s already working. Our hope is that we can add value and enhance what they’ve already established and bring more general awareness to the great food and drinks we currently have.”
Cosmetic updates and new menu items are just a few changes the team hopes to implement. Additional opportunities, such as annual events and expanded catering services, are also on the wish list of what they’d like to add.
As for the North’s, they’re looking forward to new perspectives and out of the box ideas.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time, and when the opportunity to partner with Danny and Val developed we knew it was too good to pass up,” said Jayson North. “What we love about Danny and Val is that they bring an outside perspective from other industries and experiences that can help us rethink the way we best serve our customers.”
Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro is located at 4025 SW 10th Avenue in Fleming Place. A local favorite, they offer a wide variety of house made pastries and baked goods, extensive specialty coffee and espresso bar, delicious wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads and unique craft beer, wine and cocktails.
