By Samantha McClain

Editor-In-Chief

On July 11, owner and operator Peter Liston opened a coffee shop called Pour Play Coffee in NorthWest Arkansas Community College. On Aug 25, Pour Play Coffee was permanently closed.

Several coffee shops at NWACC appeared throughout the period before Pour Play Coffee opened on campus: Java Dave’s, Kennedy Coffee from 2013- 2015, the Puritan coffee shop from 2016-2017, and Oasis Coffee from 2016-2017 resided at NWACC for a period before Pour Play Coffee opened on campus. 

Liston learned how to be a barista at a Seattle Barista Academy workshop last June. During the class, he learned how to write business plans, approach customers, and deal with the business, Liston said. Liston sold coffees, cheesecakes, and sandwiches.

“The barista academy school was an eye opener for me, and it gave me the confidence to try and open the business,” he mentioned. While serving coffee, he educated the customers on different types of coffees, the process of making coffee, and the quality of customer service. 

Liston said that his vision is to foster an environment conducive to creating a conversation between people.

Kaiya Mclelland, general studies major, ordered a cold brew and said she loved it. Liston told Mclelland how cold brew differs from iced coffee because of the process of making cold brew. “Cold Brew is made without heat, which creates lower acidity for a smoother, naturally sweet taste. Iced coffee is brewed double strength and then cooled, which creates a refreshing, lighter body,” according to Starbucks. 

The college decided to terminate the licensing agreement with Pour Play Coffee, Grand Hodges, the executive director, said. That is all the information that is provided at the time.

Etelka Liston, employee of Pour Play Coffee (left), shows and explains to Daniel Power, Instructor in computer-aided design (right), how he can pour his coffee beans and grind them at home.
Peter and Etelka Liston, talks to Grant Hodges, executive director of community and government, and Daniel Power talks about the first day of the Pour Play Coffee.
View of the coffee shop with Pour Play Coffee merchandise and coffee beans.
Brenda Andrews, math professor, Barbra Rademacher, math and physics professor, looks over at the laminated menu of the coffee specials of the summer during the grand opening.
Peter Liston (left) welcomes Jenny Balik, ad specialist, and Cerra Collins, coordinator of student life, to the coffee shop.
Peter Liston (left) explains to Seth Barber (right) why there are coffee beans.
Peter Liston welcomes Kaitlyn Williams, PTA, and Cris Ebron, PTA (left to right) to the grand opening of the coffee shop while Williams looks over the summer menu.
Peter Liston billed Paloa Gehrmann, digital marketing specialist, a cappuccino. 
Peter Liston pours hot milk into a shot of espresso to form a swirl design for Paloa Gehrmann.
(From left to right) Kimberly Bertshy, policy risk compliance, Erin Campbell, director of risk management, and Teresa Talyer, policy risk compliance, look down at the laminated coffee menu deciding what to get. Tea or coffee?