PLEASANTON, CA — When J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis taught at Oxford, they joined a group of friends known as the Inklings who met at pubs and living rooms to share their writing and debate life. Although they didn't always agree, they formed deep connections and enjoyed each other's company.
That's the spirit that the founders of Inklings Coffee & Tea were trying to emulate when they named a Pleasanton coffee shop after the group. The caf´´ has made it 10 years, and will celebrate its birthday and 10 years of coffee and conversation this Tuesday with a ribbon cutting, remarks, free coffee, refreshments, and free exclusive anniversary merchandise.
"More than anything, it's a thank-you party for the Pleasanton community. This place has felt like home for ten years because of the people who walk through our doors every day, and we can't wait to celebrate with them," said Inklings CEO Matt DePretis.
The first inkling of Inklings took place over 10 years ago, when a group at Valley Community Church noticed that while the world was becoming more connected online, everyday life felt lonelier than it once did.
"We began asking people what genuine connection looked like and what might help bring people together. What we kept hearing was the need for a welcoming place where people from all walks of life could slow down, spend time together, and get to know one another intentionally," DePretis said. "That idea ultimately became Inklings Coffee & Tea—a place designed not just around great coffee, but around community and genuine connection."
They eventually decided to build a coffee shop emulating the spirit of the original Oxford Inklings, modeled after "an old Oxford study with Victorian furniture, warm light, and shelves full of books." To this day, Inklings is filled with shelves of books that patrons are welcome to read.
Business was tough at first, and the COVID-19 pandemic complicated matters further. The restaurant adapted with items like drive-through coffee, outdoor seating, and socially distanced music events. They also partnered with local businesses and community organizations to support people in need .
"It was a difficult time for everyone, especially young people who were isolated from classmates and friends. Many told us that our baristas' smiles and kindness made Inklings feel like a welcoming, safe place and a chance to experience human connection," said Katie Baker, director of operations.
Inklings aims to be a "front porch for the whole town," and hosts a number of community events and partnerships. These include jazz nights, trivia nights, and their Sospeso Program, in which customers pay for an extra cup of coffee that is donated to local nonprofits and businesses that share Inklings' mission to improve the community.
"Sure, we want people to come back for great coffee, but we hope they also come back because of how they feel here, and because of the baristas who make it that way.
We've had real highs and lows over these ten years. Through all of it, we kept coming back to our mission and the reason we exist," DePretis said.
The 10th anniversary celebration will take place Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Inklings at 530 Main Street. Supplies are first come, first, served.
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