The Best Specialty Coffee in Provo: How Jacqui and Dylan Built Incidental Coffee Roasters from Kitchen Dreams to Utah County's Go-To Café

There's something magical about walking into Incidental Coffee Roasters on 100 West in downtown Provo. You're greeted by the comforting hum of a small, intentionally crafted coffee shop where owners Jacqui and Dylan have created something that Utah County has been craving for years. When I ordered a cappuccino during my visit, you can taste the difference in their in-house roasted coffee. It had a balanced flavor with a slight tang. (Bold but smooth). This isn't just another coffee shop – this is the specialty coffee roasters Provo has been waiting for.

One regular customer captured it perfectly: "Finally a specialty coffee spot in Utah County!" And they're absolutely right. After years of driving to Salt Lake City for quality third-wave coffee, Utah County finally has its own answer to the specialty coffee movement.

From Kitchen Bar Dreams to Utah County Coffee Roasters

The story of Incidental Coffee Roasters starts exactly where great coffee stories should: with two people who love making things better for their friends. Jacqui worked as a barista and team lead at a few specialty coffee shops in San Diego for 3.5 years (fresh off a journalism degree) and fell in love with the industry. Dylan has a background in automotive and videography, so the complexity of coffee roasting was a natural challenge to take on.

But what really sets them apart is their approach to hospitality. We both have always loved hosting our friends together, chatting from behind our kitchen bar, and serving food or drink that makes someone's day better. That philosophy translates directly into every interaction at their Provo coffee shop.

Their journey from side hustle to Utah County's premier coffee roasters reads like a perfectly timed love story. We started roasting in 2021, started selling beans at our farmers market and online in 2023, and started a full service espresso cart in 2024. The farmers market proved to be the perfect testing ground – not just for their coffee, but for understanding what Utah County really wanted from specialty coffee.

Doing the coffee cart every Saturday from June through October in 2024 was a great proof of concept for us. We were able to essentially pay off what we had invested into cart equipment and then some. Most importantly, we loved every minute of it.

Then came the moment that changed everything. In October 2024, their favorite bulk customer reached out about a small space that had opened up on their block. What started as casual curiosity about local rent prices turned into something much bigger. We walked out of that brief meeting with one clear directive: we were going to figure out how to open a cafe this year, it had to be now, and it had to be that spot.

The Incidental Coffee Experience: Single Origin Excellence in Provo

Walking into their downtown Provo location, you immediately understand why this place has become such a phenomenon. Housed in a quaint building off 100 W, this spot keeps things simple, and that's exactly why it's so good. Every element feels intentional – from their single origin coffee selection to their handmade syrups and fresh-baked pastries.

Their menu is small but deliberate, ensuring every drink is made with care. This isn't about overwhelming you with choices; it's about perfecting every option they offer. Currently featuring single origin coffees, they focus on figuring out how to roast and brew it to bring out its best natural qualities.

Their current single origin highlight showcases exactly what makes Incidental special: CHIRRIPO FINCA JOSE, washed process with notes of molasses, pistachio, apple tea, and cinnamon. This level of specificity about origin, processing, and flavor notes represents the third-wave coffee movement that Provo has been missing.

The coffee quality speaks for itself. We roast our coffee in a small-batch roaster, testing each bean until we're sure the method we've chosen brings out the best of the beans' potential. This attention to detail makes every cup an education in what specialty coffee can be.

Whether you're ordering an espresso, cappuccino, or their pour-over options, you're getting coffee that's been roasted specifically to highlight each bean's unique characteristics. Whether you're in the mood for an espresso, chai, matcha, or a fresh-baked treat, Incidental is the perfect place to slow down and savor the moment.

Building Community in Utah County's Coffee Scene

What makes Incidental Coffee Roasters more than just another Provo coffee shop is their deep connection to Utah County's evolving food culture. There's something buzzing in the air in Utah County, for sure. Specialty coffee—especially roasting—is a baby baby industry here. But its time has come. The residents are craving it, and new businesses are circling the area.

Their commitment to ethical sourcing aligns perfectly with Utah Valley's values. We buy our green coffee beans from a retailer who works directly with coffee growers across the globe. We wouldn't roast this coffee if the growers and processors weren't both treated with business ethics we respected and trusted for their best practices.

The farmers market connection that launched their business continues to influence how they operate. That grassroots approach to building relationships – one conversation, one cup at a time – has created something special in downtown Provo. Their bulk ordering customers, coffee subscription service, and coffee cart catering all grew organically from these initial connections.

For BYU students and Utah County professionals looking for a study space, Incidental provides exactly what the area needed: reliable WiFi, comfortable seating, and coffee that doesn't compromise on quality. The location on 100 West places them perfectly in Provo's downtown corridor, easily accessible for both university crowds and downtown professionals.

The Future of Specialty Coffee in Utah County

Incidental Coffee Roasters represents something bigger than just another coffee shop opening in Provo. They're positioning themselves as the go-to for locally roasted specialty coffee in Utah County, and everything about their approach suggests they're built to deliver on that promise.

Their subscription service allows coffee lovers throughout Utah County to free you from the anxiety of adding beans to your shopping list each month, with options ranging from one to five bags monthly. This direct-to-consumer approach, combined with their physical location and continued coffee cart catering, creates multiple touchpoints for experiencing their coffee.

It really felt like now or never for us to establish ourselves as specialty coffee roasters in Provo, Utah. That sense of timing appears to be exactly right. Utah County's growing sophistication in food and drink culture has created space for exactly what Jacqui and Dylan are offering.

Planning Your Visit to Incidental Coffee Roasters

Location & Hours: 27 N 100 W, Provo, UT 84601 Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 4 PM

What to Order: Based on customer feedback, start with their cappuccino to experience their house-roasted coffee at its best. For single origin enthusiasts, ask about their current featured coffee and try it as a pour-over. Don't miss their fresh-baked pastries and handmade syrups.

Study-Friendly Atmosphere: With reliable WiFi and comfortable seating, this location works perfectly for BYU students and remote workers. The intentionally small size creates a cozy atmosphere without the chaos of larger coffee chains.

Coffee Cart Catering: Still operating their mobile service for events throughout Utah County and beyond. Perfect for corporate events, weddings, or any gathering that deserves exceptional coffee.

Follow Them: Instagram: @incidentalcoffee for updates on new single origin arrivals and seasonal offerings.

Incidental Coffee Roasters proves that specialty coffee doesn't need to be pretentious to be exceptional. In a state known for incredible hospitality and community connection, Jacqui and Dylan have created exactly what Utah County needed: a place where the coffee is serious, but the atmosphere welcomes everyone. We hope our shop feels like that for everyone who walks in – and from everything I've experienced, they're absolutely succeeding.