⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Wanderlust Coffee’s West Lafayette cafe redefines brutalist design with a warm, industrial-meets-organic space, blending comfort and modernity in a new chapter for the brand.
In This Article
Wanderlust Coffee’s second Indiana cafe isn’t just a new location—it’s a statement. The West Lafayette shop, open since January, reimagines the brand’s identity through a bold design shift and a deeper focus on hospitality. While the menu and lending library nod to the original in Lafayette, the space feels like a grown-up version of itself, anchored by a brutalist aesthetic that’s anything but cold.
“Coffee is the reason people come in, but hospitality is what makes them feel like they belong.”
A Brutalist Reimagined
The new cafe’s design hinges on a concrete-like bar that anchors the room, paired with La Marzocco GB5 equipment in carmine-red accents. Locally made black steel tables and herringbone wood seating create a tension between industrial and organic textures, while plants and warm lighting soften the edges. Founder Walt Cornelius insists the goal was to push brutalist design without sacrificing comfort. “The result is a space that feels modern and design-forward, but still comfortable,” he says. The shop’s layout—high ceilings, open sightlines, and a mural of a barista at work—creates a sense of connection between coffee, bar, and room.
From Brookston to Purdue
The cafe’s evolution mirrors the company’s technical growth. Roasting shifted from a 2-kilogram Buckeye to a Bellwether Series 2, soon to be replaced by a Probat P12. Near Purdue University, the shop serves a mix of students, professionals, and families, reflecting its role as a community hub. Behind the bar, a 3-group GB5, Mahlkönig E65 GBW, and Marco systems handle everything from espresso to cold brew. “Coffee is the reason people come in, but hospitality is what makes them feel like they belong,” Cornelius says. The shop’s emphasis on inclusivity—welcoming all who walk through the door—defines its ethos. “Coffee is the reason people come in, but hospitality is what makes them feel like they belong.” Wanderlust’s new chapter isn’t just about coffee—it’s about redefining what a cafe can be. The space also serves as a platform for local artists, hosting monthly events that blend coffee culture with creative expression. How do you balance design and comfort without losing the soul of the space? What does hospitality mean to you?
Questions & Answers
What makes Wanderlust Coffee’s West Lafayette cafe design unique?
The cafe features a brutalist aesthetic with a concrete-like bar and carmine-red La Marzocco GB5 equipment. It blends industrial elements like black steel tables with organic textures such as herringbone wood seating and plants, creating a modern, design-forward space that remains comfortable.
How does the West Lafayette cafe enhance the customer experience?
The cafe prioritizes hospitality by fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, including students, professionals, and families. It uses a mix of high-quality espresso and cold brew equipment to deliver exceptional coffee, while its open layout and mural create a sense of connection and community.
Why did Wanderlust Coffee choose a brutalist design for the West Lafayette location?
The brutalist design was chosen to create a bold, modern statement while maintaining comfort. Founder Walt Cornelius aimed to push the design aesthetic without making the space feel cold, resulting in a space that is both visually striking and inviting for customers.
What role does the West Lafayette cafe play in the local community?
The cafe serves as a community hub near Purdue University, offering a welcoming space for diverse groups. It also supports local artists by hosting their work, reflecting Wanderlust Coffee’s commitment to inclusivity and creative collaboration in the area.
Originally reported by Daily Coffee News.
