Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Vacek.
Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I met my husband, Jax, while we were both working at a local coffee shop as teenagers and coffee quickly became something we shared a strong passion for. Our dream since then was always to open a coffee shop. A few years later I started my career at Ulta in New Braunfels, Tx. I eventually worked my way up to becoming an Operations Manager and this is where I discovered a passion for leadership, marketing and building strong teams. While I loved my career, I couldn’t shake the dream of owning a coffee shop.
Eventually our dream became reality when we moved to Georgetown, Tx and we opened Rose & Dagger Coffee Company as a coffee trailer in 2024. It was a huge leap of faith as I left my full-time career to dedicate myself to the business.
Today, I run the day-to-day operations of the business! Marketing, social media, branding, signage and customer experience. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. One of my favorite parts of owning a business is being able to create a space where people genuinely want to spend time. As we’ve now grown into our first brick-and-mortar location, I’ve been able to help shape not only the coffee shop itself but also The Grounds at R & D. A outdoor gathering space in the background of our coffee shop that is designed to bring our community together through local events, multiple small businesses and of course good coffee!
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far this journey has come. What started as a dream has turned into a business that reflects who I am. We’ve created a place built on creativity, community and the belief that a cup of coffee can do more than just fuel your day, it can create connection.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Starting a business has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been the hardest. Leaving the security of my full-time career to chase this dream was a huge leap of faith and there have been plenty of moments where I’ve questioned if I was making the right decisions.
Owning a small business means you’re constantly learning. One day I’m creating marketing campaigns and serving coffee. The next my husband and I are trying to figure out plumbing, electrical work or whatever else needs fixing that day. We’ve joked that we’ve had to become magicians just to keep things running. But those moments have taught me to be resourceful, adaptable and not afraid to figure things out.
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of it. Every challenge has helped shape me into a better business owner and it’s made seeing our dream grow into what it is today, that much more meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Rose & Dagger Coffee Company , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rose & Dagger Coffee Company is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a place where people can slow down, connect and feel like they’re part of something. We specialize in handcrafted espresso drinks, creative seasonal menus, energy drinks and refreshers. Our Menu is inspired by an American traditional tattoo aesthetic. Every drink and every detail of our space is intentionally designed to create an experience that’s memorable from the moment someone walks in.
Our signature drink, and by far our best seller, is The Kraken, a salted honey butter latte with white chocolate & honey drizzle and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s become the drink people tell their friends about and one that keeps customers coming back.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on community. We created The Grounds at R&D, an outdoor gathering space centered around a beautiful pecan tree where people can enjoy coffee, visit local food trucks, shop pop-ups, attend workshops and simply just spend time together. We believe supporting other small businesses makes our entire community stronger and we’ve built our space with that in mind.
I’m most proud that Rose & Dagger feels authentic. It reflects who we are, from the branding to the atmosphere to the relationships we’ve built with our customers. More than anything, I want people to know that when they visit us, they’re not just grabbing a cup of coffee, they’re becoming part of a local community.
Any big plans?
I’m excited to continue growing Rose & Dagger Coffee Company into more than just a coffee shop. My goal is to keep building a place where people can create community with each other and other local businesses.
I’m also looking forward to expanding The Grounds at R&D by hosting more events, workshops, live music and pop-ups that give people a reason to come back beyond their morning coffee.
As we grow, my biggest priority is staying true to who we are. No matter where Rose & Dagger goes in the future, I want it to always feel welcoming and centered around community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseanddaggercoffeeco?igsh=MWltdHk0dTRnODRheQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundsgtx?igsh=aDZ3NGQ2ZnQ5bHlu&utm_source=qr
