PARTNER spotlight: Trailhead Coffee
If you’re an espresso drinker in the Greater Cincinnati area, chances are you already know Trailhead Coffee in Newport, KY.
Longtime friends and partners of Deeper Roots, Trailhead has been pulling some of the best espresso in town for over a decade. They use their space in one of the most unique and memorable ways, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who walks through the door.
The coffee bar is the quintessential neighborhood shop—where everyone knows your name. Its intimate design invites guests to pull up a stool, chat with the barista, and watch as drinks are expertly prepared just inches away. The close quarters and bar seating naturally encourage conversation and connection, which is the true beauty of this space. Be sure to visit our friends at Trailhead Coffee the next time you’re in Newport and check out my conversation with co-owner Michael Haas below.
“how would you describe your approach to coffee, and what does quality mean to you?”
We approach the coffee side of things the same way we approach the bike side; we lead with offering a quality product and excellent service. We wouldn't be able to do all of this without our great community, and we do our best to create that atmosphere in the shop.
Although our setup doesn’t follow the conventional layout with lots of gathering space or seating, we try to maximize the space we have to feel welcoming to everyone, and we are working on creating more seating areas so folks can enjoy their coffee and "stay a while".
“Trailhead has a positive, fun, but still “series about quality” culture. How have you built that culture over teh years and what values guide you in your day to day?”
We have been very lucky to have a good group or baristas that share our love for coffee, community and "keeping it fun". We also give the baristas the latitude to make the environment their own and they really step up and take ownership of the space
“We have featured a couple of partners that offer more than just coffee. Trailhead Coffee operates inside of Reser Bicycle Outfitters. How do the identities of the two concepts impact or play off each other?”
Bikes and coffee are like two peas in a pod! For our coffee customers, folks usually take a lap around the shop while waiting for their drinks, while doing that they find out that there are a lot more and better bike options out there other than the "big box stores". On the bike side, we've noticed folks like knowing if they have to stop in for a tire change or quick repair during a ride, they can have a cup of coffee and nice seating area while they wait.
“All of us here at Deeper Roots love the outdoor bar seating and the small footprint of the coffee shop. How do you feel the design of teh space adds to the experience for your customers as well as your team?”
The concept of the shop was originally inspired by the espresso bars one may see in old-world Europe, where community members flow through on their daily routine, taking a respite from their busy days getting a little cup of joy. The concept doesn’t always land with every customer, but those who enjoy our little coffee bar for what it offers have become die-hard regulars and we love them for the community they help create around us.
“Looking ahead, what does the future hold for Trailhead?”
We're excited to continue to be Newport’s go to spot for coffee and pastries (and bikes!) We have some big things planned for 2026 that we can't quite announce yet, think more activities starting for the shop and local collabs!