In this episode of Mountain Mule Media, Tim talks with Austin Dayton, founder of Nexus Coffee, about how a college idea turned into one of Bozeman’s favorite local coffee stops. From a single hut on Seventh Avenue to multiple locations and a strong presence in the community, Austin shares what it’s really like to grow a business in Montana.
Starting Small in Bozeman
Austin’s path to coffee wasn’t about becoming a master roaster — it was about building something of his own. After time at the University of Oregon and a few different jobs around Bozeman, he realized the drive-up hut model could work here. When he spotted a vacant hut near his house, he took the leap with a small business loan and turned it into the first Nexus Coffee.
That one location became a cornerstone for the brand and gave Austin a firsthand look at what it takes to start a business from scratch in a growing town.
Why the Hut Model Works
While many entrepreneurs dream of opening a sit-down café, Austin explains why he stuck with drive-up huts. In Bozeman, where rent is high and space is limited, the hut model makes sense. Customers get coffee quickly, overhead stays manageable, and the focus stays on quality service rather than expensive square footage.
It’s a business structure built around efficiency, but it still allows room for creativity and personality, something customers connect with.
Growing with Community in Mind
Nexus didn’t stop at one hut. The brand expanded intoBozeman Health Hospital, bringing fresh coffee to staff, patients, and visitors who needed it most. There was also a Belgrade location, which Austin later sold to another local entrepreneur — a move he talks about with pride, as it allowed someone else to carry the torch forward.
Through every stage, Austin kept his focus on partnering with other Montana businesses. Nexus sources beans from Ghost Town Coffee, milk from Kalispell Creamery, and pastries and burritos from local makers. As Austin puts it, Nexus is “the point where things come together” — a true hub of community connection.
Lessons from the Journey
Austin shares plenty of takeaways for anyone looking to start or grow a business:
- Keep your team strong. Hire people who represent the brand well and bring energy to the customer experience.
- Don’t overextend. Growth is exciting, but it needs to make sense financially.
- Support local. The more businesses rely on each other, the stronger the whole community becomes.
- Stay true to your model. For Nexus, that means sticking with huts instead of chasing bigger, riskier projects.
These lessons aren’t just about coffee — they apply to anyone trying to make their way as an entrepreneur in Montana.
Visit Nexus Coffee
Nexus Coffee continues to serve Bozeman through its flagship hut on Seventh Avenue and its café inside Bozeman Health Hospital. Whether you’re a longtime local, a new resident, or just passing through, Nexus offers a quick cup of coffee that’s grounded in Montana values.
Find them online at NexusDriveUp.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nexus.driveupcoffee/
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