For most people, “third place” refers to a bronze medal at the Olympics, but there is another, arguably more important definition of the term: beyond sports, a “third place” essentially refers to a place outside of home or work where people can linger, connect, and find belonging. Coffee shops are among the most popular modern examples of third places, and at Arboretum Coffee in Fort Collins, we delight in creating a space that fits that definition and then some. 

What Makes a “Third Place”?

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third place” to refer to informal gathering spots that are neither home (first place) nor work (second place). The ideal third space offers comfort, accessibility, conversation, and neutrality; people come and go, meet others, focus, or relax. A good café naturally fits this mold, with the hum of conversation, the aroma of coffee brewing, tables filled with laptops, study groups, artists, friends catching up, and occasionally strangers who chat.

But just being a cozy café doesn’t fulfill the potential of a third space. The best ones also carry a deeper purpose to serve their community, transforming them from passive third places to active ones that can truly make a difference. That’s where Arboretum Coffee sets itself apart.

Building a Third Place: Coffee, Craft, and Opportunity

A gathering place is only as good as its draw, and at Arboretum, that draw is incredible coffee. Not only are we committed to prep that gets the most out of every bean, but our selection of roasters includes those committed to sustainable practices and supporting marginalized communities. 

Each bean’s journey, from farmer to roaster to brew, is part of the story that brings us together in a third place like Arboretum Coffee. We are also a non-profit social enterprise rooted in service, inclusion, and opportunity, which makes us different from other local “third places.”

Our paid barista apprenticeship program is geared to help immigrants and refugees become established in Northern Colorado and gain skills for a successful career. Through this program, participants receive hands-on training, mentorship, and leadership development. We not only train rockstar baristas, but also instill soft skills such as workplace readiness, confidence, and customer service.

Many apprentices rotate into shift-leading roles, mentor newer cohorts, and gradually build relationships in the café environment. By creating opportunity and a shared sense of purpose, we carry the values of our third-place environment into the same community we host and serve.

A Fort Collins Gathering Place

When you walk through the door of Arboretum Coffee, you’ll sense what many longtime customers say: this is a place they keep coming back to, not merely for the coffee, but for connection. 

The layout, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating invite people to sit for a while — to work, to read, to chat, to meet someone new. These are the types of interactions that build strong social capital, trust, and can help strengthen the community.

But beyond that, we also host community events, workshops, and learning series (for example, on immigration, rights, or local issues) that bring people together on shared interests. We also partner with local nonprofits across Fort Collins — for example, the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado, ISAAC of NoCo, and local literacy or workforce programs — weaving our space into a broader ecosystem of support. 

Taste the Difference Today

If you’re searching for a place in Fort Collins that is more than a stop between errands — a place where your presence matters, where connections are possible, and where you can comfortably support a community beyond these four walls, come join us at Arboretum Coffee. Order a cup, stay awhile, and let yourself be part of something local, growing, and real!