Niles Deneen
Favorite part of working at Deneen Pottery? Everything! Working alongside and inspiring our awesome staff and assisting our incredible customers. Getting to be around such a creative process and talented artists - the variety of 'opportunities' that fill my day keep me on my toes. Witnessing the transformation from proof to product.
At Deneen Pottery, we take immense pride in the relationships we’ve cultivated over the years with exceptional establishments across the country. One such cherished partnership is with Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café, a family-owned bakery and café that has become a cornerstone in its communities. Our collaboration with Neighbor’s Mill is not just a business relationship; it’s a story of mutual growth, and a commitment to quality that spans decades.
The Genesis of Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café
The story of Neighbor’s Mill begins with Mike and Karin Nabors, a visionary couple with a passion for hospitality and handcrafted quality. In 1989, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey by opening Mountain Pines Cabin, a bed and breakfast nestled atop Gaither Mountain in Arkansas.
Their commitment to creating memorable experiences for their guests quickly garnered attention, making Mountain Pines Cabin one of the most sought-after bed and breakfasts in the region. However, the Nabors’ aspirations didn’t stop there. They envisioned a place where the art of bread-making could be celebrated, and the community could gather over wholesome meals.
In the mid-1990s, this vision materialized into Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café. The original location was established in Harrison, Arkansas, with the goal of producing made-from-scratch, handcrafted breads and pastries. Mike and Karin wanted to make bread the “star of the show” on their café menu, creating the atmosphere of a 100-year-old grist mill. Click here to read more about it.
A Serendipitous Meeting
Our paths first crossed with the Nabors in the fall of 1989 at an innkeeper’s convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico. As a fledgling pottery studio from St. Paul, Minnesota, we were eager to showcase our handcrafted mugs to potential clients. It was there that Mike and Karin discovered our work. They were captivated by the quality and craftsmanship of our mugs, leading them to place an order for Mountain Pines Cabin. This made them among our very first clients, marking the beginning of a relationship built on mutual respect for artisanal excellence.
Rekindling the Partnership
Fast forward to the early 2000s, our paths crossed once more at a restaurant convention in Chicago. This time, it was Peter’s son, Niles Deneen, who had the pleasure of reconnecting with the Nabors. Reminiscing about our earlier collaboration, we realized that the values that brought us together initially were still very much alive. Neighbor’s Mill had flourished, and the Nabors were keen on introducing a unique element to their café experience.
Recognizing the potential to enhance their customers’ experience, they decided to incorporate our handcrafted mugs into their cafés. The introduction of these mugs, adorned with the Neighbor’s Mill logo, added a tangible touch of craftsmanship to their beverage service. Customers quickly took notice, and the mugs became a hit, not just as drinkware but as cherished keepsakes that embodied the Neighbor’s Mill experience.
The Neighbor’s Mill Experience
Walking into Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café is akin to stepping into a warm, inviting haven where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air. The ambiance reflects a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. The menu boasts an array of handcrafted, all-natural breads, grilled and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, and coffee/espresso drinks, all made from scratch with the finest ingredients.
Photo Credit: neighbor’s mill instagram
The Nabors’ commitment to quality extends beyond their menu. Every aspect of the café, from the architecture reminiscent of a historic grist mill to the carefully selected décor, tells a story of dedication to craftsmanship. It’s no surprise that our mugs found a fitting home here, complementing the café’s ethos and enhancing the overall customer experience.
The Impact of Custom Mugs in the Hospitality Industry
The success of our mugs at Neighbor’s Mill underscores a broader trend in the hospitality industry: the value of custom, handcrafted items in enhancing customer experience and brand identity. Custom mugs serve not only as functional drinkware but also as tangible representations of a brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
When customers hold a handcrafted mug, they feel the weight, the texture, and the care that went into its creation. This sensory experience creates a lasting impression, making the beverage more enjoyable and the overall visit more memorable. Moreover, when these mugs are available for purchase, they become cherished souvenirs, extending the brand’s presence into customers’ homes and daily lives.
Looking Ahead
As Neighbor’s Mill continues to flourish, with locations now in both Arkansas and Missouri, we are honored to be part of their journey. Their story inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of our craft, knowing that our work contributes to creating memorable experiences for people across the country.
Our partnership with Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café exemplifies the magic that happens when two companies with aligned values come together. It’s a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared passion for craftsmanship. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, bringing warmth and authenticity to tables and homes alike.
Enhance Your Café or Restaurant with Custom Mugs
If you’re looking to elevate your establishment’s brand and create a lasting impression on your customers, consider incorporating custom, handcrafted mugs into your service. At Deneen Pottery, we specialize in creating unique, high-quality mugs that reflect your brand’s identity and values. Let’s work together to craft mugs that your customers will cherish and remember. Contact us today!
Niles Deneen
Favorite part of working at Deneen Pottery? Everything! Working alongside and inspiring our awesome staff and assisting our incredible customers. Getting to be around such a creative process and talented artists - the variety of 'opportunities' that fill my day keep me on my toes. Witnessing the transformation from proof to product.
