Coffee lovers familiar with Old Pine Coffee Roasters know that when you walk through its doors, the world slows down and gets quiet. Patrons in the roastery are often working on personal projects or having silent conversations while a vibey folk song sings through scattered speakers. If the weather permits, others are basking in the sun under the rustic pergola hidden behind the shop. These experiences are exactly how Old Pine owner Thomas Dominguez envisioned his coffee shop: “You can come in here and enjoy your coffee and feel comfortable.”
Dominguez, who grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas and moved to Jonesboro to attend Arkansas State University, started roasting coffee beans in 2014. In 2017, the hobby upgraded into a business endeavor. He sold his beans out of his garage and quickly grew into a traveling espresso and concessions bar that frequented farmers markets and weddings. After 12 years in Jonesboro, Dominguez and his family relocated to Fayetteville and planted Old Pine at its permanent residence in early 2020.
Nestled next to Phat Tire Bike Shop and rooted on Mud Creek Trail, Dominguez knows how blessed he is to have found Old Pine’s home. The building always has plenty of parking, which Dominguez said helps Old Pine stand out against other coffee shops in the city. It also has a large interior furnished with tables, two bar areas and a reading corner with a couch and upholstered chairs. “You can usually come in and find a spot to sit, though you might have to share a table,” Dominguez said, affirming the relational value Old Pine holds dearly.
Being on the Mud Creek trail has been a beneficial experience for the coffee roastery. It often attracts bikers and joggers from the Razorback Greenway into the shop, especially in the fall and spring. Biking groups will also meet at Old Pine before trekking out on the trail, according to Dominguez.
Dominguez’s appreciation for his southern upbringing heavily influenced the values behind Old Pine. He recognized that Fayetteville is a fast-paced city and, reflecting on the slow and patient lifestyle rooted in the rural south, knew he wanted to create a space that replicated that. “There’s something special about the culture of southern Arkansas. I thought Old Pine could bring the south up here,” said Dominguez. He started with the name Old Pine, honoring the loblolly pine trees found throughout his former home.
Dominguez and his wife are actively involved in Old Pine’s production. Dominguez often works shifts while his wife bakes all pastry options in-house, but they understand it’s not easy to maintain their unique atmosphere alone. Dominguez credits the shop’s staff for their dedication to cultivating his dream. The five staff members who work behind the counter are always welcoming, according to Dominguez, and he’s been lucky to have very little turnaround since opening the shop. “They’ve become part of our family. They’re happy being here, customers can see that, and it bleeds over into every aspect of our business.”
With coffee shops scattered around Fayetteville, Dominguez has no interest in competing to be the city’s top shop. He understands that Old Pine can often be the second or third choice for many coffee-enjoyers but will gladly welcome those who walk through his doors. “We don’t necessarily bring in new customers often, but once they’re here, they tend to come back.”
“There’s something special about the culture of southern Arkansas. I thought Old Pine could bring the south up here”