Window Seat Coffee: Dallas’s Travel-Inspired Coffee Sanctuary

Imagine stepping into a coffee shop where every detail is designed to evoke the thrill of travel. There are airplane-inspired windows, travel-themed menu items, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Welcome to Window Seat Coffee, Dallas’s beloved neighborhood café that combines exceptional craft coffee with a sense of adventure and discovery. Owned by Kristen and Tom Boyd, this unique coffee shop has quickly become a staple on Greenville Avenue for locals and travelers alike seeking a little escape with every sip. 

Recently, our team visited Window Seat to interview Kristen about her journey to opening a coffee shop and her time as a student in our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class®. 

The Dream Takes Flight: Kristen and Tom’s Journey to Opening Window Seat Coffee

The story of Window Seat Coffee began in a corporate office, where Kristen and Tom spent their days dreaming of a different life–one filled with passion, creativity, and community. 

“Tom and I took the leap to open our coffee shop when we were both working in the corporate world,” Kristen shared. “We were both working in an office, and just did not see that as our future. We really wanted to do something different and on our own.”

Kristen and Tom were drawn to coffee shops because they loved the idea of being able to “take a break” and “escape.” Inspired by their shared love of travel and adventure, they envisioned a space that captures that exhilarating feeling of getting away. 

The idea for Window Seat Coffee was born from this desire to create a refuge for travelers, families, and neighbors to relax and recharge. Their journey to opening their own coffee shop was made possible, in part, by their experience at Texas Coffee School—a decision that proved instrumental in turning their dream into reality.

How Texas Coffee School Helped Shape Their Success

It was Kristen’s mom who found Texas Coffee School, and she and Kristen attended together. Their experience was transformative. Kristen recalls, “She thought if  we’re going to do this journey, this looks like a good place to start.”

Her mom was right. The 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class’s® comprehensive training provided the Window Seat founders with an in-depth understanding of coffee science, roasting techniques, and business fundamentals that they still use today.

Kristen emphasized how the education they received on water quality, temperature control, grind size, and roasting nuances has become essential to crafting their signature coffees. “We use that knowledge every day,” she shared.

Designing a Coffee Experience That Feels Like Traveling

From the moment you step into Window Seat Coffee, it’s clear this isn’t just your average neighborhood café. Tom and Kristen designed the space to evoke the spirit of travel and adventure. Kristen and Tom incorporated airplane-inspired elements to create an immersive environment that transports customers, even if just for a little while.

In our 3-Day Coffee Business Master Class®, we emphasize the importance of leaning into a unique business concept and curating an experience for customers that makes you stand out. Window Seat’s travel theme is a great example of how the idea of “escape” can drive an entire brand and aesthetic. 

Kristen shared that this idea of “carrying things you love” throughout your business helped make Window Seat what it is today. 

Building Community One Cup at a Time

One of the reasons Window Seat Coffee has become such a beloved Dallas staple is its genuine focus on community and personalized service. Customers regularly share stories about how the staff know their names, favorite drinks, and little details that make each visit special.

“I think our customers really appreciate the joy and the light that we bring,” Kristen reflected.

We’ve pulled a few of those five-star customer reviews below: 

• “I’ve only been here 5 minutes but the barista literally knows everyone who walks in by name, and drink, and is super welcoming. I’m a newbie but was treated with such great service. Coffee is great, vibe is super unique, clean, and cool… but kudos to the team for creating a welcoming environment. Would give 6 stars if I could. Keep up the good work!”
• “Quickly becoming a regular. What a neighborhood coffee shop should be – people centric, quality obsessed, fruit to cup.”
• “The coffee is perfection. Not too sweet and the syrups are so good. The owner is also always very kind and friendly!”

Make Your Coffee Shop a Destination with Texas Coffee School

Window Seat’s theme might be based on a journey, but the space itself has become a Lower Greenville destination. Kristen shared her advice for aspiring owners who would like to create the same successful business: 

“You should go to Texas Coffee School if you were even thinking about opening a coffee shop, absolutely. You will learn so much. It’s a great starting point, it’s very honest, it’s very fun, and I would say absolutely go! You won’t regret it.”

FAQs:

Q1: What makes Window Seat Coffee in Dallas unique?
A: Window Seat Coffee stands out because of its travel-inspired theme, cozy atmosphere, and commitment to high-quality, expertly roasted coffee. It’s designed to evoke the feeling of getting away for a moment—a true escape right in Dallas.

Q2: Who are the owners of Window Seat Coffee, and how did they start their journey?
A: Kristen and Tom Boyd, passionate travel enthusiasts, started Window Seat Coffee after discovering their love for specialty coffee at Texas Coffee School. Their journey from corporate careers to coffee entrepreneurs reflects their dedication to quality and storytelling through coffee.

Q3: How does Texas Coffee School help owners like Kristen and Tom?
A: Texas Coffee School provided Kristen and Tom with essential training in coffee business education, operations training, coffee education & barista training, plus personalized coffee business consulting. This expertise gave them the confidence and knowledge to craft exceptional coffee and successfully launch and run their shop.

Q4: Can I buy Window Seat Coffee beans online?
A: Yes! Window Seat Coffee offers their in-house roasted coffee and cold brew online, with nationwide shipping. They also plan to release new packaging and K-cups soon, so you can enjoy their coffee wherever you are.

Q5: What is the inspiration behind the travel-themed design of Window Seat Coffee?
A: Kristen and Tom were inspired by the simple joy of travel and the feeling of a quick escape from daily routines. This theme is reflected in airplane-style windows, travel-inspired murals, and ticket-shaped labels that evoke a sense of adventure and discovery.

Q6: How does Window Seat Coffee foster a strong sense of community?
A: Their friendly, personalized service and welcoming environment ensure customers feel like part of an adventure. Many regulars appreciate that the staff knows their names and favorite drinks, making each visit special.