In the heart of Saline County, Lokal Koffee Roasters has spent the last decade proving that a cup of coffee can do more than offer an average caffeine boost.
Formerly known as Koffee With a Kause, this small-town coffee shop is rooted in the fundamental idea of helping its local community at any cost.
Owner and entrepreneur Jared Voth is well acquainted with volunteer work and nonprofit organizations. After working with Union Rescue Mission, a rehabilitation center and homeless shelter, he felt a strong calling to find a sustainable and consistent solution to giving back.
“Every day was a struggle—just trying to find clothing and food to keep the guys alive,” Voth said. “I thought, ‘If someone came up with a business idea that could help offset these needs, even just monthly, it could make a real difference.’ I couldn’t find consistent donations, so I thought—I’ll do it myself.”
Voth started Koffee with a Kause in 2014, alongside his wife Sarah, opening a drive-thru coffee stand in Bryant. Voth said this venture saw a slow start, and while his community thrived in small businesses, the first five years saw numerous hardships.
“I thought it would be easier than it was,” Voth said. “I thought the causes would help push the business, but it didn’t work out like that. It wasn’t the reason we were doing it, but I did hope it would help.”
Although the business nearly broke even at its start, Voth attributes the COVID-19 pandemic to its recent success and saw a shocking influx of customers. As a drive-thru only coffee shop, Voth’s business adapted quickly to the COVID protocols and became a fan favorite during this time.
“COVID actually helped us grow,” Voth said. “We were already set up as a drive-thru only, so we didn’t have to deal with social distancing inside or anything like that.”
They also opened a Benton location in 2020, offering drive-thru service and a dining area for in-shop dining and sipping.
Voth says that while the business has seen ups and downs, his eagerness to give back has never faltered. The shop gives 10 percent of its weekly Saturday sales earnings to local nonprofits and groups.
“We’ve never stopped giving back,” Voth said. “In 11 years, that part hasn’t changed. We just had to adapt. At first, we gave 10% of all income across the board—but that was really hard to sustain… so we shifted to 10% of Saturday sales, and that’s been more manageable.
“We still donate to the community almost every day—drinks, funding, event support, Boys & Girls Club, churches—you name it. That’s not going away.”
Rebranding with the name Lokal Koffee Roasters, Voth says the name switch takes pressure off his shoulders, but the brand still emphasizes their mission of giving back.
“That’s actually part of why we changed the name to ‘Lokal,’” Voth said. “We want to raise awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses. We have a very loyal base that loves the character and heart that small businesses bring to a community.”
In 2023, Voth expanded again with a state-of-the-art roasting facility, one of the few clean-burning and energy-efficient facilities in Arkansas.
Voth says that while the business has faced plenty of hardships, the reward is greater than the struggle, and says they not only give back to those in need but also their customers. After nearly closing twice in 2024, Voth said these struggles have only deepened his business’s purpose and vision.
“We recently extended our hours again—open till 8 p.m. now—so teenagers have a safe place to hang out,” Voth said. “We’re still offering something this community needs. We want people to be proud to say, ‘This is from our hometown.’ That’s what keeps me going.
“This is the only thing I’ve ever done. I still love it. I’m not tired of the coffee, the people or the mission. I believe in it.”
As Lokal Koffee Roasters continues to grow, Voth’s mission remains the same: serving his community with passion and purpose. Whether it’s donating to local nonprofits, simply giving lattes with a smile or mentoring young baristas, Voth emphasized the importance of every cup or product.
In a world filled with chain competitors and mass production, Lokal Koffee Roasters is a reminder of producing quality products that hold incomparable value.
Photo Credit: Lokal Koffee Roasters
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