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I have been drinking Leiva’s Coffee off and on for years now. My first cup was many moons ago at The Capital Hotel in Little Rock and my present-day gym has a complimentary coffee station filled with the liquid gold. It is outstanding coffee.
Owned and operated by Geovanni Leiva, the company’s Guatemala-sourced beans are from his family’s farm and roasted right in Little Rock. The story is a good one, and it got even better last July with the opening of Leiva’s Express, a coffee trailer that resides just a stone’s throw from the heavily trafficked Highway 10 in West Little Rock.
The new venture has been receiving rave reviews, so I was excited to finally check things out for myself. What I found was an impressive set-up, especially for a food trailer. In fact, the trailer itself is just one aspect of this tiny java oasis that Leiva and his crew have carved out in a field next to the Bank OZK headquarters. Gravel roads with extensive signage help direct customers to parking and drive-thru areas. The latter was five cars deep on this chilly, overcast, late January morning. So I parked the car and headed to the window on foot. I wanted a better look at the operation, anyways.
On my short jaunt from the car to the ordering wing, I noticed a stage for music, multiple fire pits, and picnic tables. They’re working on installing coverings to help protect folks from the elements and provide shade while they enjoy their lattes. It is all very impressive and complements everything else going on at Leiva’s Express, which, as I discovered minutes later, includes fast, friendly service to pair with that stellar coffee. My cold brew hit the spot, just as smooth as can be with a rich flavor and chocolaty notes. The trailer also sells a small selection of locally-baked items that I plan on trying next time.
And I can promise you that there will be a next time. Leiva’s Express is a perfect little spot, a creation that isn’t quite brick-and-mortar, but pretty darn close. Frankly, the efficient drive-thru will allow this local company to compete with the coffee chains.
I’ll drink to that!
Did You Know?
For folks not in the area, Leiva’s Coffee ships right to your doorstep. That includes a variety of roasts available in 12-ounce or 5-pound bags (and single pods) for a one-time purchase or as part of a subscription-based program. Register with the company’s app to speed things up with your on-site coffee order and to take advantage of specials. Leiva’s also does a great job on social media, with reminders of their 15% off with student ID and the Happy Hour special (Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.) where customers can receive 30% off and double app points.
Leiva’s Express
6323 Ranch Drive (Little Rock)
Phone: 501-830-8457
Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Closed Sunday
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