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Walking into the newly opened Oldhand Coffee on Fraser Highway, the first thing you notice isn't just the aroma of freshly roasted beans or the meticulous attention to design—it's the sense of intentional community space that owners Johannes and Kristina van Bommel van Vloten have cultivated over nearly a decade in their original Abbotsford location.
The expansive new café, which opened its doors last week at 20528 Fraser Highway, represents more than just a business expansion—it embodies a philosophy of connection, inclusivity, and local entrepreneurship that stands as a counterpoint to corporate coffee culture.
Personal Growth Driving Business Expansion
For Johannes, who was born in Langley, this expansion marks both a homecoming and an evolution. "This was driven by an innate desire to grow personally," he explains, sitting in the light-filled space just blocks from his childhood church. "We had been running a single shop for a long time, and having one shop limits the ways you can grow and challenge, whether that be work-wise or personal."
The decision to expand wasn't taken lightly by the couple, who opened their original location when they were 29 and 30 years old. Now approaching 40, they view this new venture as an opportunity to apply accumulated wisdom to a fresh canvas. "We want to take the lessons we've learned and execute a space that resembles an updated sense of who we've become," Johannes reflects.
Why Langley? A Mix of Practical and Romantic
The choice of location reflects Oldhand's characteristic blend of business acumen and emotional investment. "Our choices are always a mix of practical and romantic," Johannes shares. The proximity to his childhood community anchors the business in personal history, while the heritage character of Langley's "old downtown/one way" area aligns perfectly with Oldhand's ethos of honoring tradition.
In a region where independent businesses often struggle against corporate competition, the historic strip offered what the owners were seeking—an authentic community of entrepreneurs. "It's a place where actual PEOPLE open businesses, not corporations," Johannes emphasizes. "Because our hearts are so involved in these processes, we want to surround ourselves with like-minded entrepreneurs."
The practical business case was equally compelling. While Abbotsford and Chilliwack have seen significant growth in independent cafés, Langley—despite its size—remains comparatively underserved. "Langley is so vast, and under serviced," Johannes notes. "There are some wonderful cafés that have started to surface, and we feel like we have a unique zhuuzh to offer."
Creating Inclusive Spaces in Conservative Communities
Perhaps most notable about Oldhand's approach is their unwavering commitment to creating visibly inclusive spaces, even when it may impact their bottom line. In Abbotsford, their prominent display of a Progress Pride flag represents a conscious choice to ensure marginalized community members feel welcome—a stance not commonly seen in the Fraser Valley's more conservative communities.
"It is an extremely HARD line to walk, wanting people to feel seen and included," Johannes acknowledges with candor. "Some folk are offended, and impose a different meaning around what the flag represents and choose to not frequent Oldhand. We have chosen that as a visual priority in Abbotsford, as a detriment business wise, but as a boon to a greater picture in the area."
While they're still learning about Langley's specific cultural landscape, this commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces remains central to their business philosophy. "At the end of the day, EVERYONE wants to be seen and loved, whether that's conscious or not. We hope to bring that intentionality wherever we go."
Community Connections and Local Partnerships
The significantly larger Langley space offers new possibilities that weren't feasible in Abbotsford. "It's a HUGE space! Arguably, too big," Johannes laughs. "But one thing that is reassuring is that there will ALWAYS be a seating option."
Beyond ample seating, the expanded footprint creates opportunities for community engagement through events and partnerships. "We have a HUGE opportunity for hosting community events and private events. That part is exciting because we can house other people's visions and partner in those ways."
These partnerships extend to their product offerings as well. "We focus on bringing in BC wine, and wonderfully we have personal relationships with those producers," Johannes explains, highlighting their commitment to supporting local producers, especially in challenging economic times. "They need our support, especially these days! It's a hard industry to be in right now."
Navigating Langley's Existing Coffee Scene
The introduction of a new café to an established area can create tension, something Johannes acknowledges with empathy. "Fitting into an existing café scene is very nuanced! As we know in Abbotsford, it can feel threatening to have other places open. It affects you financially which can really be hard on your security."
Rather than viewing the landscape competitively, Oldhand sees the diversity of options as beneficial for the community. "What we've learned is that every shop serves specific people. We know that our shop won't resonate with everyone. Having options serves a greater base of customers."
This perspective reflects a broader economic understanding that goes beyond zero-sum thinking. "There is a growth that EVERYONE can experience. We just want to make sure that we are sensitive to the other businesses, especially because our opening will be fairly prominent, and supportive in the ways we can be supportive."
Looking Forward: Limitless Potential
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new location for the owners is simply the expanded capacity to serve more people. After years of feeling constrained by the physical limitations of the Abbotsford location, the Langley space offers what Johannes describes as "limitless potential."
The expansion also necessitates a more systematic approach to business operations. "The big change is learning how to systematize two stores," Johannes explains. "One store can work with more 'responsive' measures, but two stores needs more planning and intention."
As Oldhand Coffee puts down roots in Langley, they bring with them not just expertly crafted beverages and baked goods, but a vision of business as a vehicle for community building, inclusivity, and personal connection. In a rapidly developing region often dominated by chain establishments, this approach represents something increasingly rare—a space where commerce and community values aren't just compatible, but mutually reinforcing.
For Langley residents seeking not just a cup of coffee but a place to belong, Oldhand's arrival signals a welcome addition to the local landscape—one that embraces heritage while creating space for everyone to feel seen, valued, and connected.
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