The Bourgeois Pig, a beloved coffee shop in downtown Casper, is set to close its doors permanently on Sunday, October 27. Since its opening in 2019, the café has become a local favorite under the ownership of Josh Tinnell.
Located at 114 W. 2nd St., The Bourgeois Pig took over the space previously occupied by Crescent Moon Coffee. When the latter closed, the building’s landlord sought a new operator, prompting Tinnell, who was working at Metro Coffee at the time, to seize the opportunity. A Casper native, Tinnell had recently returned home after working various jobs across the country.
“My brother was renting from him at the time, and so he reached out to me with this opportunity,” Tinnell recalled. “I loved working at Metro; I respect the guys who opened it. But I was excited by the offer.”
Tinnell viewed the shop as a blank canvas to express his vision. He initially found the space somewhat sterile, reminiscent of a school cafeteria, but he quickly made it his own. “Right away, I knew how I wanted it to look and the atmosphere I wanted to create,” he explained, adding that the lack of prior renovations made the process easier.
His design inspiration drew from a mix of influences, including the retro aesthetic of The Jetsons, the Roaring ’20s, and elements of punk rock culture. Tinnell aimed to make high-quality coffee accessible to everyone, coining the term “gourmet gutter” to reflect this philosophy. “A bourgeois pig is a bit ironic, right? It’s that middle or lower-class friend who’s always trying to act all upper class,” he said.
The Bourgeois Pig quickly established a loyal customer base, thanks to its commitment to quality. Tinnell emphasized that good coffee relies on the right equipment and ingredients, paired with high standards.
The café also became a cornerstone of the local arts scene, hosting concerts, poetry slams, and burlesque shows, and showcasing local artwork. “For me, coffee shops have always been a hub for culture and the arts,” Tinnell noted.
Tinnell takes pride in how The Bourgeois Pig engaged with community activism, notably during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Unlike other local businesses that closed in fear of potential unrest, Tinnell set up a table outside his shop to offer drinks to both protesters and counter-protesters, fostering dialogue in a tense environment. “I welcomed both sides,” he said. “I think the only way to solve things is to sit across from the other person and talk.”
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, impacting everything from ingredient sourcing to customer service. Tinnell felt the pressure to remain open, knowing that even a short closure could jeopardize the business. Unfortunately, the financial repercussions of the pandemic lingered, contributing to the decision to close.
Reflecting on the café’s five-year journey, Tinnell expressed gratitude for the relationships he has built with customers and staff alike. “I’ve seen babies grow up here,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve seen families come in with newborns, and seen them grow into young kids. That’s special.”
Two employees, Raine Pickinpaugh and Gavin Greenwood, stood out for their contributions to the café. Tinnell praised Raine for her dedication since the shop’s inception, recalling her high school graduation as a proud moment. Gavin, he described as a versatile team player, always willing to lend a hand, even at a moment’s notice.
To commemorate its final days, The Bourgeois Pig will host a three-day celebration, featuring live music starting Friday evening and continuing until the café closes. Originally planned as a Halloween show with just a few bands, the event has expanded dramatically, with numerous artists reaching out to participate. “I honestly don’t know how we’re going to fit it all in,” Tinnell admitted.
The celebration will kick off Friday at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m. A $5 cover will be charged at the door, and alcoholic beverages will be available for those 21 and older. Tinnell remains uncertain about his next steps but is contemplating various ideas as he navigates the emotional whirlwind of closing the café.
For many in Casper, The Bourgeois Pig will be remembered not just for its coffee but as a vibrant community space that brought people together.
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