Vending Machine News
Vending machine cafe with artsy collectible toys debuts in Lewisville
Toys from Velcroikid
There’s a quirky new shop in Lewisville that combines toy store and cafe: Called Velcrokid, it's a place with coffee and snacks, plus designer collectible toys, now open in a former convenience store at 1298 Justin Rd.
Velcrokid is the brainchild of art director Eric Bowman, who's had a graphic design business under the name Velcrokid for the past 10 years.
The shop stocks all kinds of art: murals, paintings, poetry, music, photography, filmmaking, and adorable, colorful, designer toys.
"We wanted a physical space that was a beacon for the arts and a place for people to gather, be inspired, challenged, and connect," Bowman says. “We set up the shop like a coffee shop but we curate everything like an art gallery, whether it's the designer toys or the various food and drink options."
The various food and drink options include coffee, pastries, and imported packaged sweets, but here's the thing: Everything is sold from a row of vending machines that run along one wall, from hot coffee to Japanese packaged pastries to pies from local purveyor Emporium Pies, who package up a single slice that can be purchased, like everything else, through the vending machines. They have a huge selection of exotic beverages from around the world like UCC Coffee with milk, a ready-to-drink sold in a can. Prices range from $3 to $20.
The store is spacious with polished concrete floors and colorful mod chairs and tables. Walls are lined with art from local artists, with a separate retail section for toys too big to fit in the machines. Items for sale include plushies and stuffed toys from brands like Pop Mart.
Bowman previously owned the creative workspace Mill Street House in Lewisville, which is now a wedding and event space. He became entranced with the idea of vending machine cafes after seeing them in Japan, where vending machines are a major trend and are also adored by Millennials and Gen Z.
Beyond the fun bells and whistles, Bowman wanted to bring something innovative to Lewisville.
“Our spot is kind of a unique hub for art and community,” Bowman says. “My wife and I lived in the Lewisville area for a little over 18 years and just always had a longing to have a place like this in the area where people could gather and be inspired through the arts.”
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