Where Coffee & Friends Make the Perfect Blend
- Admin
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
The Old Bistro, Fairview, AB
For those who know, The Old Bistro in Fairview is a local gem and a must-do experience. It’s a cozy retreat where customers can enjoy a beautiful cup of coffee, browse local artwork, visit with friends or escape for a few moments of solitude.
Owned and operated by Nicole Heck, 49, The Old Bistro opened in 2019. Interestingly, it started as a studio for Nicole’s footcare business, Fairview Footcare, but it became an excellent place to grab coffee, attend a meeting and even shop for treasures from local businesses.
“I love coffee. I love people. I love my hometown. So, I put them all together,” said Heck. “We have so many regulars who come in daily and weekly, and they’ve just become a part of our Bistro family.”
In addition to specialty coffees, The Old Bistro offers refreshments, baked goods, soups and sandwiches. Providing new items is important to Heck, and she strives to make her space as accommodating as possible.
“Whether it’s my customers or local artists who want an outlet, the community at The Old Bistro always comes first,” said Heck.
Soups and sandwiches are a delightful new addition for 2025 that Heck is excited to offer.
“All breads are made in-house. Everything we do is as local as we can get it. All the berries, pumpkin, zucchini, eggs and even wheat are all from my farm,” said Heck.
When it comes to coffee, Heck encourages her baristas to be creative. With made in-house syrups and tried and true locally-roasted beans, the options are endless.
“Every two to three months we have a brand-new seasonal menu for our coffees,” said Heck. “It’s very much a collaboration between the baristas and our regular customers.”
Along with their seasonal menu, they have year-round favourites like caramel macchiatos and traditional vanilla lattes. Achieving the perfect flavours are important to Heck, which is why about 70% of her coffee syrups are homemade.
“The caramel macchiato is by far the most popular drink we make,” said Heck. “The caramel sauce is made in-house and is absolutely a favourite.”
Beyond the food and drinks, it’s Heck’s goal to make everyone feel comfortable and to provide a space for the community.
“We host business meetings here. Depending on their preference, they can choose from couch seating, café style tables or long tables,” said Heck. “This unique space can handle whatever you throw at it. Plus, we’re also available for event rentals.”
Providing excellent customer experience comes naturally to Heck and her team, but the coffee business comes with its own unique set of challenges.
“Most people know the food and beverage business has narrow profit margins, but coffee in particular has an even narrower margin,” said Heck. “Keeping the business financially sustainable and staying affordable to our customers while using the highest quality ingredients is the biggest challenge.”
Heck is passionate about connecting with other aspiring small business owners to help prevent them from making some of the same mistakes she made early on.
“When it comes to helping other businesses get on their feet, I would say the first thing is to know your wholesale costs,” said Heck. “You’re not going into it to make a million dollars. You’re going into it to make a living, and to do that, you need to know your numbers.”
For café owners specifically, Heck is a fan of the old saying K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid).
“It doesn’t have to be fancy,” said Heck. “People just want somewhere to go to connect and enjoy good coffee.”
By Siobhan Kennedy | Photography submitted
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