Third Way Coffee House is a Second Home for Roasters in Columbus, Ohio

The new Third Way Coffee House at West Broad Street and Westmoor Avenue in Columbus. All images courtesy of Third Way.

A driveway is the newest way for customers to approach Columbus, Ohio’s Third Way Coffee House, which recently moved across West Broad Street from its original location. 

“Having a drive-up window was super appealing,” Third Way Coffee Cofounder Tim Rush told Daily Coffee News. “Being able to serve people specialty coffee quickly while still sharing the vibes per usual has always been the goal. Now we can give people that experience through a window. The parking lot, parking, outdoor space and seating and food truck space were also huge motivators.”

Butcher block tables and bars accommodate about 25 people inside the new 700-square-foot new shop, which reflects Third Way’s vision for a slicker and livelier cafe experience. Rush said the company leaned more towards modernity at the new West Broad Street location, rather than the history inspired by the previous building. 

“We have a ton of window light, with plants everywhere, and globe pendants at the bar with gold edition sputnik lights throughout the space,” said Rush. ” The overall goal is to keep this place as coffee-centric as possible, putting the espresso at the forefront but while also catering to the parts of us that thrive for human connection.”

Murals, artwork and library shelves contribute to the atmosphere while underscoring the new Third Wave Coffee House brand name. The company was founded by Rush and his father, John Rush, in 2017 under the name Third Way Cafe. It continues to carry coffees roasted by a variety of specialty coffee roasters, with a focus primarily on other local small businesses. 

Beans handled by Third Way baristas have come from companies such as One Line Coffee, Roosevelt Coffee Roasters, Royal Flamingo Coffee and Florin Coffee — all of which are based in Columbus.

Baked goods from local outfits Three Bites Bakery, Slice of Heaven and Happy Little Treats populate the shop’s snack racks. A line of nitro taps features cold brews from different local roasters.  

“I was molded by a very large and brilliant community of Columbus coffee peeps, who instilled in me a passion for the industry,” Tim Rush said. “We believe that there are so many roasters, so many smaller guys and so many good people in this industry and we want to try our best to shed light on them and share the experience with others. Being a multiroaster allows us to grow our community even more, and share different experiences with our patrons.”

Third Way Coffee House is located at 3059 W Broad St. in Columbus. Tell DCN’s editors about your new coffee shop or roastery here