Alley Cats Coffee Bar settling in downtown

TEXARKANA, Ark. — Owner Michael Perry says the community has welcomed Alley Cats Coffee Bar with open arms since the official opening Aug. 15.

In just two weeks, certain items on the menu have already gained a following, Perry said.

“The Dirty Mike has been a fan favorite,” Perry said. “It’s an iced latte with honey, cinnamon and cayenne.”

After a series of trials and errors, Perry was able to concoct a menu of things that are not too sweet yet sweet enough to sate any appetite for seasonal drinks. The lineup includes a dark chocolate pretzel frappe (a chocolatey, salty coffee beverage with a bit of crunch), a hot cinnamon plum tea with vanilla, and a white chocolate raspberry frappe.

“I have enjoyed being able to serve people, make people smile and make them happy with my quality beverages,” said Perry, who sources beans from Onyx Coffee in Rogers, Arkansas.

Perry embraces the alternative community, with his many employees displaying tattoos, piercings and colorful hair. He and wife Summer hope the establishment becomes a place where people feel comfortable being themselves while enjoying a coffee beverage.

The coffee bar has already been rented for a private party, and Perry hopes more people will find it an appealing place to hold small events. He and wife Summer look forward to hosting live music.

“I have a friend that plays banjo, and I told him, ‘Come up here anytime with your banjo,'” Summer said.

To his surprise, Perry said the rush of customers has been during lunch hours, when people are visiting down the road at TLC Burgers, Verona or Zapata’s for food and then walk or drive over for a quick rush of caffeine.

Although customers generally stop by after lunch, Alley Cats Coffee Bar offers charcuterie boards filled with an assortment of meats, cheeses, and sweet and salty snacks.

The Perrys are working long hours to stay on top of things. Summer, who works a full-time job, helps with operations, social media, graphic design, and other matters that Michael needs assistance with on occasion.

“She has been my rock and a huge support, and I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without her.”

With autumn around the corner, Perry notes one important thing he’s learned.

“Order more chai,” he said.

(Alley Cats Coffee Bar is at 305 E. Front St. For more information, visit Alley Cats on Facebook.)