Kennedy Coffee Roasting Company

I have lived in NWA for 10+ years. I have gone to Kennedy Coffee(KCRC) many times (a few times a year) because I love coffee. Over the years, I kept going back hoping that it would be better than it is. Now, after this last visit, I just cannot give my recommendation for KCRC. Reason #1: the coffee is just bad. It might be better than McDonalds and maybe Starbucks, but only barely. It's burnt taste--and therefore aftertaste--is unappealing. It's overly acidic. For being a company that boasts (in the name!) of being a "roasting company", it's just bad. I don't know what they do, but it needs to change. The coffee is gross. It just tastes like they don't care about quality.Reason #2: their prices are way too high. I know inflation has hit us all, but $4 for a 16oz cup of drip coffee is too high. This is esp. true when the coffee isn't significantly better. I can make a Keurig at home, get the same quality, and spend 50-cents (at most!). So, why would I spend 9x that amount for the same quality? I just can't. I can for a place like Onyx Coffee Lab, because the coffee is 9x better. Furthermore, anything extra at KCRC will cost. For example, I asked for a small dollop of heavy whipping cream. They wanted to charge me a $1. Seriously...... for like 2tbps of heavy cream! That is very close to gauging, imo. Reason #3: The employees have never been friendly. Here is where they are like McDonalds. The feeling I get every time is that KCRC is annoyed that I am there. They don't smile. They are not friendly. This doesn't mean they are rude or mean. At best, they are even-keel and seemingly hoping that you don't order something hard. This has been the consistent attitude every time I have been to KCRC. Maybe others have experienced differently, but this is my experience. Reason #4: the shop is not very comfortable for me. It's mostly metal chairs and metal tables. There is one couch, I think. It doesn't feel like a comfy living room setting that encourages you to want to stay for a few hours. But, the main problem is the clutter. There is merch around the walls and it's arranged in a way that looks like an unorganized walk-in closet. It's sloppy and doesn't make the place more comfortable. Also, the counter where you order is so so so busy. It is stressful. It needs to be cleaned up, cleared out. Open up the space. KCRC needs more couches and comfy chairs. These are the issues. I think it's possible to fix #'s 2-4 easily. But, until they fix #1, I really cannot recommend this place. And the charging for heavy cream!!! Terrible. Also, please put roasting dates on your bags. This is all my experience and therefore opinion. I hope KCRC gets better. Until I hear that happening, I will stick with other coffee shops or cheaper bad coffee.

I've returned to Northwest Arkansas to visit friends after more than a decade of being elsewhere, I'm seeing all sorts of construction and upgrades and new buildings in Bentonville (There's an actual interstate now!). For my morning coffee, I had to return to Kennedy Coffee to see if it's still here. After 14 years and writing over 19000 others, this is my update to one of my first 100 reviews.Thank goodness, it is. The coffee is still great, the workspace has expanded and the wifi works great. In the morning, there were a bunch of folks having pre-work meetings and catch ups. A few folks like myself with laptops out and open. And the constant whistle and thumps of espresso being prepared.I had a two-shot cortado this morning that was not quite a cortado. Still good, but it had enough milk that it was more like latte than I expected. I'm feeling appropriately caffeinated so no complaints. Some more power outlets would be great, but that's all I can think of.#LocalCoffee, please![Review 19623 overall - 258 in Arkansas - 595 of 2023.]

Friendliness & kindness - that was our first impression upon entering this local coffee spot! We were heading to Starbucks but quickly made a U-Turn. So glad we did! My daughter ordered from their seasonal menu - Iced Snowflake, which was white mocha mixed with peppermint. Yum!!! I ordered their Kennedy Yum, which is vanilla, cinnamon & honey. I was skeptical, but the barista promised to make a new drink if I didn't like it. It's her favorite drink.

We stopped in here for afternoon coffees and tea. My friend has been before and ordered her favorite, the London Fog. I had a latte and our other friend had a cappuccino. She commented on how dense the foam was on the cappuccino and wished she could create it like that at home. Staff was friendly and polite. Plenty of parking available. If you are looking for coffee or tea in the Bentonville area check out this place.

Support you independent coffee brewers!!!Beautiful decor featuring local artists. It's a great place to hang out or jump in and get what you want. Drive through if you're in a rush, stop in the next time. Their coffee is Wayyyyyy better than Starbucks or Dunkin donuts !

Love the coffee and the service. They have tasty treats in the pastry case as well. My husband and I went on our first date here so it holds a special place in my heart.

Nice discovery driving through town. Great ambience, great service. Both of us tried one of their custom drinks - really good.

Excellent coffee drinks! Attention to customers wishes! Really good coffee shops are few and thankful for this one!!

We won Kennedy gift cards at a charity auction a few months ago. Went in to use them and was told they changed their gift cards and refused to take mine and refused to lookup the value. Really disappointed with these disingenuous business practices.

There is better coffee out here, I wouldn't spend the money unless you really value the drive thru. Employees are kind, their menu is thorough, but the espresso machines do not produce high quality coffee. If that's not your main priority, they have a quaint interior area and variety of food options.