Why you need to go to ONYX Coffee Lab's HQ in downtown Rogers

My stereotypical journalist trait is that I'm addicted to coffee. Black coffee and lots of it, every day. I made it to ONYX Coffee Lab's new(ish) headquarters in downtown Rogers over the weekend for the first time.

ICYMI: ONYX has been making coffee in NWA since 2012 and wins national awards every year. In 2019, the business moved its headquarters and roastery from Springdale to the newly renovated 1907 building in downtown Rogers.

Verdict: I'd drink ONYX coffee if they operated out of a shed. But what they've managed to do with the space is pretty remarkable. It's clear that thoughtful, smart design went into making the headquarters much more than any old coffee shop.

• An open, airy atmosphere with lots of different seating options, it feels like a relaxing place to work, study, hang out with friends or just get your caffeine jolt.

I enjoyed my cup of black coffee — specifically the Southern Weather blend. Even the non-coffee drinker I brought along was impressed with the FOMO, a concoction of coconut, vanilla, cocoa and espresso.

Of note: OK, so this isn't exactly a new spot. Maybe, like me, it was on your to-do list, but then there was a catastrophic global pandemic and you stuck to coffee at home. Now it's time to venture out.