New Cafe, ‘Vise Coffee’ Opens in Alpine

By Eliya Alvidrez, Skyline Reporter

ALPINE - Just as this school year at Sul Ross began percolating, so did a new coffee shop in town. 

Vise Coffee, next door to the Rangra Theater on Holland Ave., is a family-run business owned by Walter and Stacy Maddox. They relocated to Alpine from New Braunfels because they were looking for a “smaller town feel.” Walter Maddox said he saw an opportunity to found a coffee shop when the building became available. 

 “The idea behind going with a coffee shop for this space was to create something different from a restaurant where you just eat and leave,” he said. “We wanted to get at something that might build a little community and give people a place to come hang out.” 

The shop was redesigned from scratch, with Walter, who has a background in construction, doing much of the work. For example, Walter said he built the counters entirely by himself. 

Vise offers a variety of coffees and teas with unique flavor options that can be added. Open from 6:30 A.M - 3.P.M, (closed on Sunday’s and Monday’s) you will be greeted by the owners who work the entire shift.  

“The most important thing is that we’re really trying to present something that’s quality and welcoming,” he said. “Seeing a decline in service, it’s not the same and our big push is to make people feel comfortable and welcome. 

‘We care about their business and hopefully they like our coffee.”