Despite its size, owner Sydni Smith said she and her team consistently help their customers “wake up on the bright side” with each visit.
How it started
A former flight medic in the U.S. Army, Smith said after having her two girls, she was ready to find her “civilian passion.”
“Driving into Austin, I realized there were no convenient drive-thru coffee options between Bastrop and Austin,” Smith said.
It was then Smith said she came up with the idea to apply her love of service and coffee to begin her next chapter. In February 2023, she opened Neon Bean.
Smith said she came up with the name because the word “neon” invokes a bright and fun image that shouts, “Come on in.”
Looking back
Smith said the early days were slow, but she and her team of baristas, along with her family, used that time to tweak their technique.
“We've grown our team over this last year, and we've gotten to meet so many incredible people through that small drive-thru window,” Smith said.
On the menu
Neon Bean offers a variety of coffees with the option to sub dairy milk for oat, coconut or half-and-half, including flavored espressos, iced coffees and blended options such as Signature Mocha, chai latte, fruit smoothies and more. Teas, such as organic black and green as well as loose-leaf hot teas, are also available in addition to plain and flavored bagels and cream cheese.
“We also frequently have secret menu drinks that are exclusive to our online followers,” Smith said.
Smith said she and her team also recently started offering coffee catering, noting a recent wedding catered by Neon Bean was a delight to be part of.
Looking ahead
With her background in service, Smith said she would like to find more ways to give back to the community in 2024.
“We wouldn't be able to do what we do if it weren't for the love and support Bastrop County has shown us,” Smith said.
- 1634 Hwy. 71, Cedar Creek
- Instagram: neonbeancoffee
