New cafe opens in Downtown Texarkana with a ‘bougie vintage vibe’

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) – The newest local business in Downtown Texarkana held their soft opening on Saturday, November 1st.

“The main vision was that it would be a place that people could sit and stay and bring people to downtown… Now it’s real.” said Madeline Smith, who together with her husband Scottie owns Good Luxe.

The cafe, which they describe as having a “bougie vintage vibe”, aims to provide healthy offerings not usually found in the area, including sourdough products, cold pressed juices, and kombucha.

“A lot of people haven’t tried (kombucha), but it’s a health conscious drink made from fermented tea.” said Smith, “We hope people will be open minded to come and try some new things.”

The products may be new to many Texarkana residents but they also have a novel way for people to buy them with a membership program.

“Coffee, tea, kombucha, juice memberships for people who are regulars, people who work or live downtown. They can sign up for a monthly cost and come in and get unlimited of whichever kind of membership they’ve purchased.” said Smith.

This is the second family business the owners have opened in town along with Salty Boutique and Books. Good Luxe offers a chance for them to open a new type of business while getting in on the opportunity to be a part of the revitalization of Downtown Texarkana.

“We want this to be a place that our kids can learn how business works and how to invest in your town, particularly the areas that might be forgotten like downtown. We’re hoping to like revive some of that but we also wanted to inspire other people and other families to try things they haven’t tried before.” said Smith.

The cafe’s design highlights the history of the city and the building, which used to house a railroad museum.

“There’s something to be said about being able to revive old stories in places like this and being able to nod to the people who made Texarkana what it was.” said Smith.

During their soft opening period they will have limited hours and menu options. They say they will play it by ear from there.

“We just want people to come in, give us feedback, tell us what they love, have a lot of grace and patience because this was just a vision, but we’re brand new at this type of endeavor.” said Smith.

Good Luxe is located at 202 East Broad Street.