By Amanda Wadell

It’s happening.

As a familiar Loveland coffee shop celebrates its one-year anniversary under new ownership, Northern Colorado is noticing.

LoCo Artisan Coffee House, at 544 Cleveland Avenue, has been laying a foundation of community and connection in Uptown Loveland for the past year. That, along with exceptional coffee, has been the priority from day one.

Shane Ritter, owner, and all-around rad guy, has the right idea. By focusing on quality, unique product and a consistently packed events calendar, LoCo is quickly becoming a community staple in Loveland. Live music, poetry night, storyteller slams, community leader conversations – you name it, it’s there. And where else can you get a handcrafted elixir or a beautiful Golden Milk?

Shane’s passion and intention are clear in everything he creates. After becoming a regular guest of the former owner, and learning that the beloved corner shop would soon close, Shane quickly realized that LoCo was his next step. So, he made it happen. Within 6 weeks of being handed the keys, he had a new business open. He has since developed a new menu that is creative and conscious of any taste, always using other local, small businesses in his recipes, such as Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary and Black Garlic Spice Co. It is a true passion for locality and community.

Loveland is known for art and artists of all styles, throughout the country and the world. Naturally, LoCo has been highlighting that community. With an ever-changing gallery of art on the walls, live music from many genres, and poetry night every month, (including readings from Loveland’s Poet Laureate!), it is a place to enjoy all of that activity and change while still feeling linked to the heart of the community.

You can join Loveland’s rising scene by visiting all the amazing small businesses, including LoCo, that thrives on the appreciation and support of the community.

Check out LoCo’s June schedule: