Newberg residents to open Lyrics Cafe in former Coffee Cottage location
March 06, 2023
NEWBERG, Ore. - Newberg residents Rob and Lindsey Hankins plan to open Lyrics Cafe – a fast casual cafe, bakery and coffeehouse – this fall in the properties where Coffee Cottage previously operated. The opening will occur after the completion of renovations on the drive-through and cafe buildings.
Owner and operator Rob Hankins signed the lease on the property last week. He had sought a property in town over the last year in hopes of bringing fresh, house-made breakfast and lunch options to the downtown Newberg area. “We are truly honored to have the opportunity to represent the next era of this important property.” says Hankins “We understand that part of what has made it so special was its role as a local gathering place. We are committed to preserving features that contributed to this, while also introducing elements that establish it as a new business concept that meet the current needs of the community and downtown area.”
Coffee Cottage closed its doors in February after a 33-year run under multiple owners. George Fox University purchased the property, but not the Coffee Cottage business. The university, which outsources food service on its own campus, sought an operator to maintain a coffee shop and cafe.
“Generations of students and employees have loved Coffee Cottage and we anticipate Rob and Lindsey will be successful in carrying on that tradition in Newberg,” said Rob Felton, a George Fox spokesperson. “They bring a great vision for the space to again be a community gathering place.”
Rob Hankins says the new operators intend to continue the Coffee Cottage’s tradition of serving as a local cultural and relational hub. “Just as lyrics need accompaniment, so too does good food require friends and conversations,” says Hankins. “In both cases, each part calls out for its corresponding pair. We hope Lyrics will be the place where those sorts of connections happen.”
The Lyrics Cafe concept was conceived after months of research and consultation from local community members and business owners, as well as with long-time friends and restaurateurs Bob and Anna Davidson who are behind the successful Blackberry Market brand in the Chicagoland area. The Davidsons are serving as consultants and will continue to do so as Lyrics moves towards its launch.
“We are excited to be on Rob’s support team to help re-imagine what can be successful in Newberg,” says Bob Davidson. “Rob has the personality to make something special there. He’s an incredibly creative and multi-talented individual who innately gravitates towards serving others and creating spaces of acceptance and belonging, which are vital in this industry. Also, I absolutely love that Rob and Lindsey have decided to call it ‘Lyrics.’ Having known Rob for over 20 years, I’m not sure I know another human that anecdotally recalls and shares lyrics, quotes, movie scenes, and stories more than Rob. It’s an endearing part of his personality and a fun and appropriate marker to represent what he is bringing to the space and community.”
Lyrics Cafe is located at 808 and 814 Hancock St.
Contact: Rob Hankins