On day two of the Urban Experience Alliance Symposium, Josh Vanderheide, Founder of Field House Brewing Co. & East Abbey Hospitality Group, sat down with Jess Reno, Founder of Nemesis Coffee, to discuss how independent hospitality operators can collaborate with developers to create community-focused spaces.
Reno described Nemesis as more than a café chain: it’s a platform for storytelling, arts, and connection, blending coffee, food, music, and design. He explained the brand’s distinctive inverted heart logo as a symbol of its disruptive yet love-driven approach.
He also spoke candidly about the challenges of running independent hospitality ventures—especially during COVID-19—and how redefining value beyond food and beverage has opened doors to new partnerships with developers. Reno emphasized the importance of engaging operators early in development projects to unlock their full cultural and economic impact on neighborhoods.
Watch the full conversation to learn how operators and developers can work together to build thriving, culture-rich communities.