Just around the bend on Beechmont Avenue, between Mt. Lookout and Mt. Washington, you will find Luckman Coffee, my husband’s favorite place to stop on his way to work. The coffee shop, with its comfortable spaces to sit and relax, do work, or meet with friends, has a cozy, friendly, and funky vibe. Visitors there quickly feel like part of the family. Customers rave about the quality of the coffee, food, and service as well as the atmosphere. Many become loyal regulars after just one visit.
Behind the Counter
Owner, Zack Snyder, works at the coffee shop with his two brothers, Jake and Stevie. Stevie is in charge of roasting over 20 varieties of beans which are procured internationally from the highest quality vendors, while Zack and Jake work at the front counter. “What gives each coffee its flavor is the soil it’s grown in,” Zack explained while describing the unique flavors of beans from Uganda, Brazil, Mexico, and Hawaii. I asked Zack about his favorite part of the coffee business. He said, “I love making the drinks and goofing off with people. I also need to do the tedious tasks associated with a business, but I’m really happiest behind the counter making drinks.” Zack feels lucky because he gets to spend time with his family and friends while working. In addition to his brothers, other staff include Zack’s wife (who is an excellent baker), his nephew, and long time employees like Cathy, who has been at Luckman Coffee for over a decade.
Brothers in Rhythm
The three Snyder brothers have always worked together. Growing up in Cincinnati, they were very involved in music, playing guitar, bass, and drums. They were inspired by the Beatles and created a band called Backbeat with their friend Patrick. They played on the Rosie O’Donnell show when Zack was only 9 years old. When he was 16, the band got the opportunity to work with the Beatles’ recording engineer and played with the well known rock band, Cheap Trick. Today, the brothers have two bands; the original Backbeat, and another band called Prestige Grease, which they formed with Luckman Coffee customer-turned-friend, Dan Rosenthal. The bands perform at local, Cincinnati venues like Mansion Hill Tavern and Anderson Taphouse. Late night gigs and early morning coffee shop hours don’t seem to go together, but the brothers make it all happen. “The coffee helps!” Zack explains.
The Journey of Luckman Coffee
Zack started working at the coffee shop in 2011 when it was still owned by Steve Luckman. In 2013, Zack went on a trip and Steve told him, “I need to talk to you when you get back.” Zack was afraid he was going to be fired, but instead he learned Steve wanted to sell Luckman Coffee to him so he could move closer to his grandchildren in Washington State. Zack bought the business in March of 2014 and since then it has grown by leaps and bounds. “I’m most proud of the fact that we are still in business.” Zack is especially grateful that Luckman customers continued to come to the store through the Covid-19 pandemic. During the shutdowns, my husband could call the store on his way to work, order his coffee, and Zack would run it out to his car with an N-95 mask. The best coffee in town, devoted customer service, and customer loyalty has allowed Luckman to outlast many other coffee shops, including a large national coffee chain who closed their competing location.
Luckman Coffee also sells delicious, freshly made sandwiches and baked goods like muffins, cookies, and quiche. Zack said that last Sunday morning, they made over 80 sandwiches in just a few hours. Luckman customers are so enthusiastic that there is even a demand for “merch.” They sell hats, totebags, and mugs. My husband loves his Luckman Coffee hat. The shop’s convenient location is right near Lunken Airport, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, residential neighborhoods, and on the way to all the major highways. It’s easy to stop in for a take out order and get right back on the road.
Worth the Visit
Next time you are driving down Beechmont Ave, look out for Luckman Coffee and stop in to say hello. I am confident it will become a new Cincinnati favorite spot. For more information check out their website: www.luckmancoffee.com, visit their Facebook page: Luckman Coffee Beechmont, or call: 513-231-1040.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Klafter
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