Horizons Coffee Bar Opens in Bastrop with Community Spirit and Craft Coffee

A New Coffee Destination in Bastrop

On October 30, 2025, the grand opening of Horizons Coffee Bar marks the arrival of a vibrant new coffee spot in Bastrop, Texas. This locally operated mobile coffee shop, located at 146 TX-21, opened its doors on August 1 and quickly became a beacon of community spirit and craft coffee enthusiasm.

Founded by Lauren McIntyre and Chris Rios, Horizons Coffee Bar operates with a mission to bring high-quality craft coffee to the residents of Bastrop. After spending years in corporate careers and being inspired by their experience with local coffee roasters on the West Coast, the duo decided to take the plunge into coffee entrepreneurship. “We felt compelled to bring the exceptional coffee culture we encountered on the West Coast back to our community,” Rios shared.

Sourcing Quality Coffee

Horizons Coffee Bar prides itself on serving a full menu of specialty coffee and espresso drinks, utilizing Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea's award-winning coffee beans. Customers frequent the mobile café not just for the unique flavors but also for the welcoming atmosphere and dedicated service. Many patrons have commented on the refreshing energy that the team brings, with Rios stating, "We focus on quality, speed, and convenience — delivered with a smile." It seems that the coffee-loving community of Bastrop has embraced Horizons, as they have already cultivated a loyal customer base.

Support from Crimson Cup

With no prior experience in the coffee business, McIntyre and Rios leveraged the expertise of the Crimson Cup's 7 Steps to Success consulting program. This initiative has been instrumental in assisting over 300 entrepreneurs across the United States to open independent coffee shops. From conceptualization to actual launch, the program provides crucial support — a lifeline for McIntyre and Rios as they navigated venue selection, training, and operational strategies. McIntyre reflects on their journey, noting, "We couldn’t have accomplished this without Crimson Cup’s backing. Identifying the right location proved to be essential; it’s the cornerstone of our business journey."

Crimson Cup’s recognition as a leader in the specialty coffee sector is underscored by their commitment to sustainability and the success of their partner coffee shops. By focusing on high-caliber coffee and solid business guidance, they have cemented their role in the coffee community.

Advice for Aspiring Coffee Entrepreneurs

When asked what they might recommend to others considering a similar venture into coffee entrepreneurship, Rios emphasized the importance of preparation. "Do your homework. Understand local traffic patterns, invest in quality signage, and ensure you have adequate capital to support yourself while your venture grows.” McIntyre added, “This is a long-term commitment. If coffee is your passion and you’re willing to invest the effort, the rewards can be substantial."

Join the Celebration!

In anticipation of the grand opening celebration on October 30, the Horizons Coffee Bar will host an event featuring special drinks, festivities, and the opportunity for the community to meet the owners. It’s a festive occasion promising to showcase the café's community-first approach and commitment to crafting personalized customer experiences.

For further details, individuals can visit horizonscoffeebar.com or stay updated through their social media pages.

About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Founded in 1991 in Columbus, Ohio, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea has become well-regarded in the specialty coffee industry, celebrated for its premium coffee and sustainable practices. The brand has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Bean World Series Championship in 2025. Supporting coffee-growing communities through their Friend2Farmer® initiatives, Crimson Cup remains dedicated to delivering high-quality coffee while empowering new generations of coffee entrepreneurs.

Today, Crimson Cup coffee is available at more than 700 locations across the U.S. and beyond. To learn more about their offerings, visit crimsoncup.com.