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Onyx Coffee Lab: A Breakthrough in Specialty Coffee

Onyx Coffee Lab, a renowned specialty coffee roaster and café based in Rogers, Arkansas, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being announced as a semifinalist for the prestigious 2026 James Beard Award® for Outstanding Bar. This nomination marks not only a triumph for the brand but also highlights the evolving landscape of specialty coffee within the culinary world.

As noted by Jon Allen, co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab, this recognition reflects the status of specialty coffee today — it is no longer just a drink; it has become an integral part of culinary craft, hospitality, and cultural expression. The James Beard Awards, which have traditionally spotlighted cocktail and wine venues, provide a centralized stage where coffee’s intricate flavors and experiences can be celebrated.

The Nomination and Its Significance

Being nominated for the James Beard Award represents a rare moment for specialty coffee, combining an artful approach to beverage preparation with the warmth of hospitality and the cultural nuances that coffee brings. This acknowledgment validates the hard work and passion poured into the industry from countless coffee makers across the globe.

Founded in 2014, Onyx Coffee Lab has built a global reputation thanks to its commitment to sourcing quality beans and crafting exceptional coffee experiences. Recently recognized as one of America's Best Coffee Bars, Onyx embraces transparency in its pricing and highlights sustainable producer partnerships, ensuring a direct connection between consumers and coffee growers. The cafés they operate are not just places to get coffee; they are designed with an emphasis on education, design, and customer service, allowing guests to engage deeply with what they consume.

Co-founder Andrea Allen further emphasizes the transformative journey of specialty coffee. She states, "Seeing specialty coffee in the semifinals of the James Beard Awards brings validation to what has developed into a world-class industry, celebrating excellence, diverse flavors, significant innovation, and intentional service. We hope to represent the coffee community at future James Beard Award celebrations." This reflects a broader cultural trend where consumers are increasingly drawn to meaningful and experience-driven brands.

Trends in Specialty Coffee

The nomination comes at a time when specialty coffee is gaining traction among mainstream audiences, who are increasingly seeking out thoughtful, high-quality experiences in the brands they support. As more consumers learn about the labor and love that go into each cup of coffee, they seek out cafés and roasters who can accurately convey that narrative through their offerings.

The announcement of finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards is anticipated later this spring, with winners to be revealed at the annual Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago. This ceremony will represent not only a celebration of food and drink, but also highlight the growing role of specialty coffee in the culinary arts.

About Onyx Coffee Lab

Onyx Coffee Lab is a pioneering force in the specialty coffee scene, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. The company has established itself as a Certified B Corporation, receiving acclaim and multiple awards on international platforms for its dedication to exceptional coffee sourcing, roasting, and customer service. As Onyx continues to redefine what it means to enjoy coffee, it sets a precedent for the industry, emphasizing that specialty coffee is indeed worthy of celebration alongside fine wines and gourmet cocktails.

To explore more about Onyx Coffee Lab's journey and offerings, visit onyxcoffeelab.com or follow them on Instagram at @onyxcoffeelab.