By Tristan Hostetter / Jambar Contributor
Latte art is no longer just a decorative design on top of a drink. Youngstown’s newest café, located in the Butler Institute of American Art, adjacent to Youngstown State University, brings lattes and American art under the same roof.
Local musician and business owner Zachary Conkle, and his fiancee, Taylor Stillerman, opened The Looma Café on May 30 inside the museum. Conkle said the cafe fulfills a goal they’ve always hoped for.
“My fiancee and I had always just sort of like dreamed about having a space, but didn’t really think it would ever actually happen,” Conkle said. “When everything presented itself the way that it did, it was a no-brainer that we had to just go for it and give it a shot and open our own cafe.”
Conkle said the timing was perfect, with a few friends already working at the Butler and the former tenants of the restaurant space having moved out. Conkle also believes that students at YSU have welcomed the Looma Café with open arms, especially since the fall semester began.
“Just seeing students come in and hanging out, bringing their friends in and just having it be a space for them to do their work or meet with friends or whatever they want to do,” Conkle said.
Conkle said he hopes the customer experience is more than just a welcoming atmosphere and a good source for caffeine, food, pastries and drinks.
“We want this to be a space for people to feel like they can create things. Whether it be art, whether it be relationships or memories, I mean, I just want this to be a space for people to create,” Conkle said.
Louis Zona, executive director of the Butler, expressed how he’s already seen the cafe’s positive impact on the museum.
“The Butler’s staff, volunteers and visitors alike are beyond thrilled to have Looma Café. [Conkle] has brought his many years of experience in the coffee and food industry to the Butler. We couldn’t be more excited to have him here,” Zona said.
Surrounded by contemporary and permanent exhibits at the Butler, Looma Café celebrates creativity and features local art displayed on the walls surrounding its dining tables.
Kristen Llewellyn, social media marketing manager for the museum, said how much she appreciates what the café brings to the Butler.
“The café gives people a place to come together. It allows museum visitors a spot to rest and refuel before exploring the permanent collection and traveling exhibitions at the Butler,” Llewellyn said.
Looma Café is open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
YSU students can receive 10% off their purchase at the cafe by signing up for a free museum membership at butlerart.com.
