Georgetown, TX – The Vacec family‑run coffee shop has taken a big step forward. After two years operating from a coffee truck parked in the backyard of a yellow historic house, Rose & Dagger Coffee Co. opened its doors as a permanent brick‑and‑mortar location on September 5.
From Truck to Home‑Based Café
Madison and Jackson Vacec, husband and wife, first fell in love while working together at a coffee shop as teenagers. Their shared dream of owning a café became a reality during the 2020 quarantine, when they imagined a shop they could run without financial constraints. “We sat there in our apartment and came up with the whole menu and the whole concept of Rose & Dagger,” Madison recalled.
In September 2024 the couple launched a coffee truck in the backyard of the historic house that would later become their permanent home. When a lease opportunity arose early this summer, they seized it, describing the move as a “full circle moment.” Jackson said, “Knowing we started in the backyard … to have the lease of the house, and our own coffee shop. It’s been amazing.”
Renovating a Historic Space
Transforming the house into a functional café proved more challenging than the Vacecs anticipated. As the first food‑service business to occupy the property, they needed extensive renovations to accommodate coffee equipment, seating, and a welcoming atmosphere. Madison noted that the truck was never part of the original plan, but it served as a valuable stepping stone: “We had no idea what we were getting into with a brick‑and‑mortar.”
What the Café Offers
Rose & Dagger Coffee Co. serves handcrafted lattes, a variety of teas, and refreshing specialty drinks. The outdoor area, called “The Grounds,” features a massive pecan tree that provides shade for diners. Three local food trucks – El Hombre Tacos, Churros ATX, and Sanford Sourdough – rotate in the backyard, giving patrons a range of snack options alongside their coffee.
Community Roots
Community is central to the Vacecs’ business philosophy. “If we would have opened it up in any other town, we wouldn’t have been as successful as we are today,” Madison said, emphasizing the importance of local support. Jackson, who also serves as a firefighter for the Georgetown Fire Department, likened his fellow firefighters to “175 big brothers,” highlighting the strong network of local allies behind the venture.
Looking Ahead
When asked about future plans, Jackson replied, “Our big next thing is not having a next thing for a while,” indicating a focus on steady operation and community building rather than rapid expansion.
Rose & Dagger Coffee Co. adds a fresh, family‑owned option to Georgetown’s growing downtown dining scene, reinforcing the town’s reputation as a supportive environment for small entrepreneurs.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
