Opening a coffee shop is a common career daydream for many, but Emily Falk and Joshua Heckelsmiller actually made it happen! Earlier this year, this culinary duo of life partners and business partners opened the doors to Snail Café in the West Central neighborhood. The space is inviting and intentional, with an emphasis on local food, high-quality source ingredients and an inviting experience. It’s quickly become a neighborhood place where you bring a friend or make a friend – just as they envisioned it.

Why coffee?

EF: I have always loved coffee, but I got more into it when I was in college in Phoenix. I love the drink, the ritual and the community.

JH: At some point, the hobby of caffeine consumption became an obsession. I love learning about different regions, brewing methods and flavor profiles …

How did you two come together as business partners?

EF: We met through my best friend since sixth grade, fell in love, got matching tattoos (of a snail) after six weeks and then decided to open a coffee shop together. At our very first date, we talked about how we’d each had a dream of opening a café at some point …

What does the snail symbolize?

EF: Snail has a few layers of meaning. It’s about being slow and intentional, and about the simplicity of a shell as your home. When Josh and I were first dating, I was very compelled to buy him this small brass snail figurine. It was just a travel souvenir at first, but it took on a life of its own as a part of our story.

JH: As we think about the state of the food industry in the U.S. (and the Slow Food movement, which is a reaction to mass-produced food and factory farms), the snail is a reminder that we all need to pay attention to where our food comes from. Who is the person making my coffee? What kind of beans are in the coffee? What is the source?

What do you wish you knew before you got started with Snail?

EF: Taxes! What a massive headache!

JH: We have been really fortunate to have a lot of support from the many people we know who have started their own restaurants and other food-related businesses in town.

Important hobby or pastime?

EF: I’m excited to take pottery classes sometime soon. I’d love to craft special vessels for Snail.

JH: I have always enjoyed maintaining a garden and the joy that comes from growing your own food.

Something you’re proud of?

EF: The design of Snail. I was an interior designer for years but never had the opportunity to design anything of my own. I’m really proud of the cozy, warm space that we created. There’s a lot of thought and intention behind every design choice.

JH: Using local farm-fresh products like eggs, greens and herbs, and keeping the money in the local food scene. We’re avoiding the big food distributors as much as possible. I have worked with Hawkins Family Farm and know the care that goes into their products. I am proud to serve that quality to the community.

Favorite food/drink to make for someone you care about?

EF: I love cooking. I think my favorite dish that I always come back to is Orange Fennel Roasted Chicken. It’s divine. Not overly complicated, but it’s so fresh and delicious, and there’s just always something about roasted chicken. I love to serve it with roasted purple potatoes with yogurt and an herby dressing, along with broccolini.

JH: My favorite coffee drink is a cortado, which is a shot of espresso with the same amount of steamed milk. When people come to Snail and do not know what to order, I suggest a single-origin pour-over. It’s a slower process that allows you to taste the subtle, unique notes of coffee. Some beans produce coffee that’s roasty or graham crackery, and others produce a flavor that is fruity and bright. There’s so much variety.

Holiday or birthday tradition you cherish?

EF: I always cook for the holidays and usually opt for a home-cooked meal for my birthday as well. I love it when Josh and I are able to spend the whole day cooking together.

JH: For the past decade or so, I have traveled to a new place in the world every year. I have traveled a lot in Europe, and Portugal and Germany are two favorite destinations. No surprise, but I like to stay in a neighborhood apartment and frequent the local cafes over and over. Travel is also where we got inspiration for the pastries on the menu at Snail.

What’s hospitality to you? What does a good host do?

EF: Hospitality is truly about anticipating others’ needs. And cleaning. A lot of cleaning!

JH: Hospitality is everything to care for others and be taken care of. An attentive host is hyper aware of the wants and needs of the flock they are tending.

What’s changed for the better in your lifetime?

JH: The internet. We have access to so much knowledge and information, and we can be inspired to find and create new things. I love that so many people are willing to teach and share their craft and techniques.

How would those who know you best describe you?

EF: I asked my best friend to get it straight from the source. Passionate and whimsical, guided by love. Disciplined, in moderation. A dreamer, but willing to do the work. Lover of good coffee, good music, good food, but with a delicate tummy.

JH: From Emily: Hardworking, passionate, curious. Dedicated to the many crafts he excels at.

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