“Love Coffee. Love People.” This is the foundation of Lamppost Coffee. What began as a simple encounter in a local coffee shop became the spark for a lifelong dream rooted in hospitality, community, and meaningful connection.

At 13 years old, founder Brian Burns stopped into a small Round Rock coffee shop called Saradora’s with a few friends while biking through town on a hot summer day. What started as a quick stop for ice water and air-conditioning turned into hours spent playing checkers, trying Italian sodas, and experiencing the kindness of the shop’s owner, Sara. Inspired by the warmth and sense of belonging he felt there, Brian told her, “I love this place. I’m gonna have a coffee shop someday.”

That dream took time to unfold. After years of different jobs and experience in coffee, Brian eventually launched a small coffee kiosk in downtown Austin called Brian’s Brew. As the business grew, so did the vision behind it — creating spaces where coffee could bring people together and foster genuine community.

On July 14, 2015, Lamppost Coffee officially opened its first brick-and-mortar café in Round Rock. Inspired in part by The Chronicles of Narnia, the name “Lamppost” became a symbol of guidance, warmth, and finding your way home.

Today, what started as the dream of a teenager impacted by a stranger’s kindness has grown into five café locations, a roastery, and a mobile coffee business — all centered around exceptional coffee and genuine hospitality.