Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 10. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
Worker-owned since 2021, Gray Owl Coffee aims to be a welcoming space to everyone who enters its doors.
Gray Owl was opened in 2009 by Mike Beavers, but was later sold in 2012. Come 2021, the coffee shop was purchased by Erika Barker and her co-workers, who transformed the shop into a worker-owned business, meaning that employees have a financial stake in the shop.
Barker said employees having control in how the business is run allows workers to shape the business.
“It's fulfilling to be able to decide the direction that the coffee shop is going, what kinds of events we want to have there and what kinds of drinks,” Barker said. “People think that the vibes have been good since we became a worker-owned coffee shop.”
Barker said because the shop is worker-owned, she cares more about how much customers enjoy their experience.
Gray Owl’s menu offers a variety of coffees, teas and baked goods with an emphasis on espresso drinks. All of their syrups and baked goods are made in-house, which Barker said allows staff to try different combinations and bounce menu ideas off of one another.
“I have tried probably every single baked good we've ever sold or a version of every single baked good we've ever sold,” Barker said. “If we taste it and we're like, ‘Something's not working,’ then we have the control to change the recipe.”
Gray Owl also offers a seasonal menu, and depending on customer demand, some seasonal items become part of the permanent menu.
Wall art gallery at Gray Owl Coffee on Aug. 21.
“My coworker, Ryan, is the one who came up with our shaken espresso drink, and it's kind of like a variation of a Starbucks drink,” Barker said. “That was our seasonal special all through the spring, and then we actually added it to the menu because people liked it so much.”
Gray Owl regularly holds community events such as its monthly collage night and live performances by local musicians. Along the walls of Gray Owl hangs purchasable artwork by local artists. The shop also holds four events throughout the year for artists to sell their own work.
“We don't take commission on any of those, so it's a good spot for artists who are just starting out,” Barker said. “They handle any purchases people make themselves, but people often will buy art off our walls.”
Gray Owl is also involved in 2nd Friday Art Walk as well as the Norman Music Festival held in April.
Seating at Gray Owl Coffee on Aug. 21.
Barker said Gray Owl’s atmosphere feels authentic thanks to its regular customers, fostering a space where customers can meet new people.
“I notice many of our customers who regularly come to the shop know each other which is really sweet,” Barker said. “I think people make friends at Gray Owl, and that's really cool.”
Gray Owl Coffee is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 223 E. Gray St. Gray Street is currently under construction, but the coffee shop is open at their regular times with limited parking.
This story was edited by Shelby Emery. Zoe De Leon, Avery Avery, Grace Rhodes and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
