Bad Manners Coffee, now open in West Asheville, gives 'goth Barbie-punk vibes'

Tiana Kennell, Asheville Citizen Times

December 18, 2023 at 7:12 PM·5 min read

ASHEVILLE - For many weeks, community members have peeked inside Bad Manners Coffee's glass windows and door in anticipation of its opening.

Owner/barista Ashlyn Sholar has had to hold off the potential customers as the final touches were completed at the new West Asheville café.

Ashlyn Sholar, owner and barista at Bad Manners Coffee in West Asheville, December 15, 2023.

“People walking, especially early in the morning to yoga class and the meditation center ― a lot of people … have been popping over asking when we’re going to be open and what we’re going to be having," Sholar said. "Everyone is so excited. It’s been incredible, the support of not just this community but of Asheville as a total ― other coffee shops and businesses.”

On Dec. 16, Sholar welcomed the first customers as Bad Manners Coffee opened its doors at 697 Haywood Road, suite G, after a monthslong extensive renovation project.

It's the first brick-and-mortar for what started as a pop-up coffee business.

The retail space ― in a plaza neighboring other local businesses like Revolve thrift store and Botiwalla restaurant ― was gutted and designed to reflect Sholar’s style and vision.

The restroom was rebuilt, expanded and revamped with new fixtures, a back-of-house washroom was added and the service counter was constructed from the ground up with a stainless steel surface and retail shelves.

Benches and seating were assembled, and equipment was upgraded, including the HVAC system.

The pink and black color palette was chosen as a balance of feminine and masculine energy. Taxidermy pieces collected by Sholar’s family are mounted on the walls.

“I went with a lot of black and dark tones and woods and steel to try to give it that edge, so you’ve got kind like this goth Barbie-punk vibes in here,” Sholar said.

Ashlyn Sholar, owner of Bad Manners Coffee, makes a latte, December 14, 2023.

Bad Manners, friendly service

Sholar has been asked if customers will be treated with bad manners, like some establishments across the country that have trended for shouting insults at customers.

That’s not the case at Bad Manners.

“I have a bunch of people coming in and are like, ‘So are you going to be mean to me? Is it this sort of place?’” Sholar said. “If that helps your experience, I can try my best but no, we’re really nice.”

The name of the business came about during a conversation between Sholar and her mother, who suggested “Good Manners.” Sholar flipped it for a more fitting angle.

Inside Bad Manners Coffee in West Asheville.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know. That sounds way too posh. … I don’t have good manners. I have bad manners,’” Sholar said. “I’m going against every hipster coffee shop kind of thing. If I have it in the shop, I’ll make it for you. Bring in Half and Half and we’ll steam it. I don’t want to drink it but if you want to drink it, great, that’s fine.”

Coffee roasts with the most

Bad Manners aims to make the coffee-drinking experience simple yet delicious.

“My approach to coffee is very much ‘coffee is for everyone,’ ‘no judgment coffee,’” said Sholar, a Boone native whose family owns Brew Coffee Bar in Raleigh. “I never want anyone to feel talked down to or like they don’t know something. Customer education is the most important for me. If you don’t know what anything is on the menu, I will tell you every single thing.”

“I hate the persona of coffee being this snobby, kind of like arrogant classist thing when it’s just a cup of coffee,” she said.

Making coffee accessible doesn’t mean skimping on quality.

Bad Manners will source coffee beans from local, regional and national roasters. Sholar plans to rotate the selection about every two months to showcase popular, lesser-known and her favorite roasting companies.

Cooperative Coffee’s Levity is in use, with Rowan Coffee and Flowermouth Coffee Roasters and other Asheville roasting companies planned for the lineup.

Bad Manners Coffee’s menu

Bad Manners coffee and espresso menu will feature regular and specialty hot and cold beverages with the option to add flavored syrups made in-house.

Tea and other drinks are available, too.

The current seasonal drink offerings are the London Smog and Little Deb.

The London Smog is a play on the classic London Fog tea but with the addition of cardamom and honey syrup.

“I always like to have a non-coffee option on my seasonal menu. Just something for everyone,” she said.

For the Little Deb, inspired by Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies, Sholar has crafted a syrup flavored after and topped with pieces of the pies.

A latte at Bad Manners Coffee in West Asheville, December 14, 2023.

Baked goods will be supplied by West End Bakery, which will provide items like croissants and muffins, and the Gluten Free Bakers Booth will keep the café stocked with gluten-free treats.

“Having so much support from everyone has taken away that extreme stress, and I’m filled with excitement. I’m stoked and everyone else is excited,” Sholar said. “I’m glad to be done with build-out and get back to what I know how to do. I’m very excited to just make people coffee now.”