From Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup of Coffee” to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” coffee and music have had a plentiful relationship. It makes sense to open a coffee shop centered around music, which is exactly what Nassif Kraish has done with The Spin Coffee and Vinyl.
The original location is in Dallas, Texas and is run by Kraish’s son. After moving to San Antonio for his wife’s job, Kraish decided to open a second location — this time with a kitchen.
The Spin Coffee and Vinyl offers an assortment of breakfast pastries, coffee and cereal. There are two menus for coffee. One is centered on traditional types like mocha, cappuccino and latte. The other, deemed “With a Spin,” features themed drinks such as Strawberry Fields and In Bloom. One of the specialties of The Spin Coffee and Vinyl is the recently added Turkish coffee. As for cereal, Kraish keeps a diverse catalog in the cereal bar.
“People love cereal. Morning. Afternoon. At night,” Kraish said. Patrons may purchase a bowl of cereal and then venture into the cereal bar — a staple of The Spin Coffee and Vinyl — on the wall. The store is equipped with Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios and more.
While waiting for coffee, customers may peruse the immense catalog of vinyl available to purchase. Kraish keeps a plentiful stock of music. Perhaps, one is interested in a Rolling Stones album. Kraish has that in store. Maybe someone likes musicals. Kraish has a section for soundtracks and displays a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” album on the wall.
Of course, what would a music collection be without Taylor Swift? No worries, Kraish makes sure to show off the “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” vinyl that is available for purchase. Kraish even mentioned that a Swiftie club usually meets at the shop over a cup of coffee.
Music runs deep within the coffee shop. The walls are adorned with various instruments, and throughout the shop, one may spot several record players, cassettes and a homophone.
New trinkets can be discovered with each visit. Hidden under one table is a collection of tabletop games, and tucked into a corner between two couches is a collection of horror DVDs. Each object demonstrates the immense care Kraish has put into building a safe and welcoming space.
“I could open close to downtown, the north side. I want to create a community. This area doesn’t have a coffee shop. It doesn’t have a coffee house, like this one,” Kraish commented.
Kraish’s emphasis on community can be found in the way he treats his customers. As one orders with Kraish, he is sure to strike up a conversation and sprinkle in plenty of jokes.
Enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to Joan Jett or The Marias and pick up a record for later. The Spin Coffee and Vinyl offers the perfect place to hang out and revel in the community’s shared appreciation for music.
Located at 3131 Nacogdoches Rd, The Spin Coffee and Vinyl is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Keep an eye out for new hours and a drive-thru coming soon.