Discovering Attic Coffee Mill Cafe

Downtown Madison Coffee Shop and Cafe

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

Even if a visitor knows only two or three businesses on Madison’s Main Street, one of them is likely to be The Attic/Coffee Mill Café, 631 W. Main Street.

Visitors notice its broad windows, American flag, and outdoor seating, where there are usually friends and sometimes pets gathered around the tables. It’s hard to resist the charm of the place. Sitting down with friends to an aromatic cup of coffee and a sandwich, wrap or grilled panini at the Coffee Mill Café has been a Madison tradition for decades.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

A recent refresh updated the interior a bit, but the same warm welcome greets familiar friends and new faces alike.

“Chris and Lyndsey (Hornbrook, owners since February 2024) really strive for that vibe that when you walk in here it feels like home,” says Ashly Furnish, who co-manages the shop with Natalie Bruce.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

The Attic opened its doors in 1971 as a gift and picture-framing shop. In 1993, the cozy Coffee Mill Café opened to serve beverages, snacks and lunches to an equal mix of visitors and local customers. Last year breakfast was added, and the Hornbrooks continue to try out new ideas.

This year they are strengthening the establishment’s brand by emphasizing its core products – coffee and tea. They are using the logo “Historic Madison Coffee Company” for the custom coffee bean blends that Natalie roasts right in the store’s front window. The theme lends itself to a variety of retail products, some of which are still in development. Many of them will bear the name “Madison” because that’s what customers want to take home.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

The Attic is the only Madison coffee shop that blends and roasts its own beans. One of The Attic’s unique new services is aimed at bridal couples. Brides and grooms can schedule a tasting event during which they create their own coffee blends. These can be served at the wedding reception or given as favors.

The Attic has added new beverages to its lineup. Boba Tea is “a bursting ball of flavor – and it comes with a really fun straw,” says Ashly. Mad Soda is a creamy flavored soda in six varieties. “Our regulars get to build their own.” There is a new self-service station for coffee, tea and lemonade.

This summer, look for The Attic/Coffee Mill Café to be open late during fourth Fridays, when Visit Madison is running its free trolley in the evenings. The menu will be different each time. The Attic will have extended hours on Madison’s parade night, July 4. They will also be open on Sundays through Labor Day weekend.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

Chris and Lyndsey Holbrook grew up in Greenwood, Ind. They had been living in Montana before moving to Madison and purchasing The Attic a year later from Megan Hicks and Norman Roberts. “We took our love for people and our love for coffee and put them together,” says Lyndsey.

After spending two years living and working in Madison and getting well acquainted with their customers and employees, Chris accepted a full-time pastorate with a church in California. The Hornbrooks now live with their five children in Chula Vista, near San Diego. They plan to return to Madison often to work in the business they love.

“Just to set the record straight, we have no interest in selling our business,” states Lyndsey. “We have lots of ideas for the business, and we want to continue to be a place for our community to gather. Our plans are still to come back to visit often.”

The Hornbrooks communicate often with Ashly and Natalie and feel everyone has “a great staff culture.” That atmosphere is evident to anyone who walks through the doors.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

“The team we have now is just incredible. It’s a real special team,” says Lyndsey.

Natalie adds, “You would think they have known each together for years, just because they work together so well.” The employees cross-train, but every effort is made to put them in favorite role to make work enjoyable. The staff is encouraged to contribute new ideas, which are likely to be implemented. “Chris says, ‘I don’t care whose idea it is. The best idea wins,’” says Lyndsey.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

The business is branching out to do more catering in the community and for home parties.

Now, not only can you eat, drink and shop at the Attic, you can sleep as well. The upstairs bed-and-breakfast offers 2,000 square feet of space, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It accommodates eight people comfortably. Everyone will have a chance to view the suite on Saturday, Oct. 4, when it is a stop on Madison Main Street’s 2025 Loft Tour.

For more information about The Attic or the bed-and-breakfast, go to www.atticcoffee.com. The phone number is 812-265-5781 and the email address is info@atticcoffee.com.

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