BILLINGS - One local man's dream becomes a reality after years of hard work. And now, he just wants you to belly up to his coffee bar.
Two weeks into business Off The Leaf is on track to become a favorite hang out spot among locals, and that is just the way owner, and hometown guy, Brian Carpenter wants it.
"We created this for the community," said Carpenter.
His dream of opening up something different in the Billings market has been brewing now for eight years.
"I was born and raised in Billings and was just always looking for a place that's an alternative to the bars," said Carpenter. "We don't call ourselves a coffee shop, we call ourselves a coffee bar."
Open until six a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until one a.m. Friday and Saturday, you can grab a coffee, latte or whatever your cup of tea, and drink up the sounds of local musicians.
"People might come in on a Tuesday night and there's a singer/songwriter playing," said Carpenter. "We're booking all the way out through January right now. There are artists that want to play all the time."
The unique color scheme, design and approach at Off The Leaf is a reflection of this young entrepreneur's journey.
"I was a server at the Granary for a little while and I was a high school and college pastor at Faith Chapel for six years," said Carpenter. "When people come in they ask me, 'What's your background, is it in business? Do you have a college education?' I don't have a college education, I just say, my background is in people."
And he is hoping the people of Billings like what he is serving up.
Carpenter said if you are a local musician interested in playing, come in and see him. There is an audition process.