There's a special kind of buzz in the air, a different sort of energy that comes with a perfectly crafted cold brew. For many, that feeling is tied directly to The Nitro Bar, a place that has, in a way, truly captured the hearts of coffee lovers across Rhode Island and beyond. This isn't just about getting your daily dose of caffeine; it's about experiencing something a little out of the ordinary, a frothy, smooth creation that has quite a following.
What began as a very humble setup, just a cart really, has grown into something quite remarkable. This local business, started by two determined people, has managed to create a loyal group of customers who just keep coming back for more. It's a place where you might find yourself waiting in a line that stretches out the door, all for a chance to enjoy their unique take on coffee, and perhaps, some breakfast too. You know, it's pretty clear they've hit on something special.
This story is a nice example of how a simple idea, born from a desire to do something different, can really take off. From a basement beginning to multiple shops and even a presence on social media, The Nitro Bar has, you know, become a true local favorite. It’s more or less a testament to good taste and a lot of hard work, offering a welcoming spot for anyone looking for a refreshing drink or a tasty bite to eat.
Table of Contents
- How Did The Nitro Bar Begin?
- Meet the People Behind The Nitro Bar
- What Makes The Nitro Bar So Special?
- Where Can You Find The Nitro Bar?
- The Nitro Bar and the Community
- Beyond the Cup: The Nitro Bar Merchandise
- What is Next for The Nitro Bar?
- Why The Nitro Bar is Worth a Visit
How Did The Nitro Bar Begin?
Every great story has a starting point, and for The Nitro Bar, it began with a bit of a gamble and a lot of belief. Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster, the two people who got this whole thing going, started in 2016. They didn't have a big fancy setup; instead, they had a homemade cart and, interestingly enough, a loan of one hundred thousand dollars. This was their initial step, a pretty brave one, too, to bring their idea to life. It’s almost like they were building something from the ground up, literally from a basement.
The very first place where The Nitro Bar really started to get noticed was on the campus of Brown University. Audrey and Sam brought their cart there, and that’s where things really took off. People were, you know, curious about this new, frothy drink. It was different from what was out there, and it caught people’s eye. This unique way of making coffee quickly became quite well-liked, and people just wanted more of it. It shows that sometimes, all it takes is a good product and the right spot to get things rolling.
From that initial success, they started thinking bigger. They began to offer their special drinks in kegs for different sorts of gatherings and events. This move, in a way, helped them make money and keep the business going strong. Even though they had some money troubles at the very beginning, this pair, who were a bit like underdogs, managed to find their footing. They figured out how to create something special and make it available to many more people. This is how The Nitro Bar, basically, started its journey from a small idea to a growing business.
Meet the People Behind The Nitro Bar
The heart of any good business often comes down to the people who run it. For The Nitro Bar, that's Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster. They are the founders, the ones who had the vision to create this cold brew coffee business right there in Rhode Island. Their story is a good example of dedication and, you know, seeing an idea through. They started this whole thing in 2016, working out of Audrey's parents' basement. That's a pretty humble beginning for what it has become today, isn't it?
Their initial setup, as mentioned, was a simple cart. From that, they worked very hard to find a permanent spot for The Nitro Bar. Once they found their forever home, they didn't stop there. They quickly started working with local places, like restaurants, breweries, and even farm stands, to get their special nitro cold brew on tap. This helped them reach even more people and become a familiar name in the area. It’s pretty clear they’re all about connecting with their community.
Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster: Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founders of The Nitro Bar | Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster |
| Year Business Started | 2016 |
| Initial Location | Audrey Finocchiaro's parents' basement |
| Initial Investment | Homemade cart and a $100,000 loan |
| Current Operations | Three shops, a trailer, and a TikTok account |
| Partnerships | 70+ tap partners (local restaurants, breweries, farm stands) |
What Makes The Nitro Bar So Special?
So, what exactly is it about The Nitro Bar that makes people so, you know, drawn to it? It really comes down to their unique frothy brew. It's not just regular cold brew; it has a special texture, a smoothness that makes it stand out. This distinct quality is what first caught the public's attention and quickly made it a very popular choice. It's a different way to enjoy coffee, and for many, it’s a fun new way to start their day. You could say it’s a little bit of an experience in every cup.
Beyond the signature nitro cold brew, The Nitro Bar also serves up other delicious items. They offer craft lattes, which are pretty well-liked, and breakfast sandwiches, too. These additions mean there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a different kind of coffee drink. It's about providing a good selection, and that, in some respects, helps keep things interesting for their customers. They clearly put thought into what they offer.
The consistent quality of their products is also a big part of why people keep coming back. Regulars at The Nitro Bar in Providence, for example, have come to expect a line out the door. They're willing to wait for their weekly dose of caffeine because they know what they’re getting is going to be good. This kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the taste and the overall experience. It’s almost like a ritual for some, you know, a dependable part of their routine.
Where Can You Find The Nitro Bar?
What started with just a cart has certainly grown. The Nitro Bar now has three physical shops, which is pretty impressive. You can find them in a few spots, making it easier for people to get their hands on their favorite drinks. For instance, there’s a location at 228 Broadway in Providence, open from seven in the morning until five in the afternoon. That’s a good chunk of the day to grab a drink, isn’t it?
If you're closer to Newport, The Nitro Bar has two spots there. One is at 2 Pond Avenue, also open from seven to five. The other is at 404 Thames Street, with the same hours. Having multiple locations means they can serve more people and, you know, be more accessible. It shows how much they’ve expanded in just a few years, which is quite something. They’ve really made a name for themselves in these areas.
And it's not just their own shops. The Nitro Bar has also partnered with over 70 other places where you can find their coffee on tap. This includes local restaurants, breweries, and farm stands. For example, Allie's Donuts in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is one such partner. This wide reach means you might just stumble upon their delicious cold brew in more places than you'd expect, which is pretty neat. It’s a smart way, too, to get their product out there to more people.
The Nitro Bar and the Community
Beyond serving great coffee, The Nitro Bar seems to have a real connection with its local area. In its eight years of operation, the business has grown significantly, and it has plans that go beyond just selling drinks. They are, you know, thinking about creating more jobs, which is always a good thing for a community. This kind of growth can really help local economies get a boost, and that’s a pretty important aspect of what they do.
They also focus on using good, natural ingredients, which is something many people care about these days. And, they’re committed to practices that are kind to the environment. This shows a thoughtful approach to business, one that considers more than just the bottom line. It’s almost like they’re trying to do things the right way, which is something customers often appreciate. They’re pretty serious about their impact, apparently.
The fact that they started small, in a basement, and grew to have multiple shops and many partners, speaks to their connection with the community. People in Rhode Island have really taken to The Nitro Bar, seeing it as a local success story. It’s a business that grew from humble beginnings and has remained tied to its roots, while still looking ahead. You know, that kind of loyalty from customers isn't something you get by accident; it's earned.
Beyond the Cup: The Nitro Bar Merchandise
For those who really love The Nitro Bar, there’s more than just coffee to enjoy. They offer a range of items that let people show their support for this local favorite. For example, you can get a "Nitro Bar Dad Cap" for thirty-seven dollars. It’s a way to carry a piece of the brand with you, basically. They also have "Is Whole Milk OK? Socks" for sixteen dollars, which is a pretty fun and quirky item, isn't it?
They also sell clothing that connects to their Rhode Island roots, like a "Rhode Island Things Tee" for forty-two dollars. And for the serious coffee enthusiasts, they even have "Nine Lives Whole Bean Coffee" for nineteen dollars, though that particular item seems to be sold out at times. These items, you know, help build a stronger connection with their customers, allowing them to feel more a part of The Nitro Bar community.
There are also practical items like a fourteen-ounce shrink-free pullover hoodie, which comes in two colors and is made in the U.S.A. It’s worth noting that these items are made from fifty percent recycled plastic, showing their commitment to being environmentally friendly, too. Sam is often seen in a size large, and Audrey in an XL, giving customers a bit of a guide. This range of merchandise, in a way, extends the experience beyond just the drink itself.
What is Next for The Nitro Bar?
After eight years of growing and becoming a well-loved spot, The Nitro Bar isn't stopping. They have plans for the future, which include, as mentioned, creating more jobs. This means more opportunities for people in the local area, which is a really positive thing. Their focus on organic ingredients and practices that are good for the environment will also continue to be a big part of what they do. It’s pretty clear they have a vision for continued, thoughtful growth.
Their journey from a small cart to multiple locations and a significant social media presence shows their ability to adapt and grow. They’ve gone from a humble coffee cart to having thousands of followers online, which is quite an achievement. This kind of reach suggests that their influence will likely continue to expand, possibly bringing their unique cold brew to even more people. You know, they’re definitely not standing still.
The way they quickly partnered with local businesses, like restaurants and breweries, to get their cold brew on tap also hints at future possibilities. This model of collaboration has been very successful for them, and it’s a good way to keep growing without necessarily opening new shops everywhere. It’s a smart approach, more or less, that allows them to spread their product widely. They seem to have a pretty good handle on how to keep moving forward.
Why The Nitro Bar is Worth a Visit
So, you might have plenty of nice, tasty coffee shops around you, but there's something genuinely special about The Nitro Bar, based in Rhode Island, that makes it stand out. It's not just the coffee, though their frothy brew is certainly a main attraction. It's the whole story behind it, the fact that it started from such a small idea and grew into something that truly connects with people. It’s a fun new way, basically, to start your day or get that afternoon pick-me-up.
The dedication of Audrey and Sam, their focus on quality ingredients, and their commitment to the community all add to the appeal. When you visit, you’re not just buying a drink; you’re supporting a local business that has put a lot of heart into what it does. The lines out the door, which are a common sight, really do suggest that it's worth seeing if it lives up to the positive talk. It’s a place that, you know, leaves a pretty good impression.
Whether you're a long-time fan or just curious to try something different, The Nitro Bar offers a refreshing experience. It’s a spot where good coffee meets a great story, and that’s a combination that many people find very appealing. So, if you're ever in Rhode Island, or looking for a truly unique coffee experience, stopping by The Nitro Bar is, quite frankly, a good idea. You might just find yourself utterly fixed on their special brew, too.
The Nitro Bar began as a humble coffee cart in a basement in 2016, founded by Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster with a $100,000 loan. It quickly gained popularity at Brown University with its unique frothy cold brew, leading to expansion into three physical shops in Providence and Newport, a trailer, and a TikTok presence. The business also boasts over 70 tap partnerships with local establishments. Beyond coffee, they offer craft lattes, breakfast sandwiches, and a range of merchandise made with recycled materials. The Nitro Bar focuses on organic ingredients and environmentally friendly practices, with plans for job creation and boosting local economies. Their success highlights a strong connection with the community and a dedication to quality and thoughtful growth.
