The Heart of the Campus
More Than a Cafe
THE OP is where every thread of the Black Hills Consortium comes together. Eleven entities, one community anchor.
The Third Place
Ray Oldenburg described the “third place” as the social space between home and work — the coffee shop, the pub, the barbershop. THE OP is that for the entire Black Hills region.
When a GrowWise engineer needs a break, they walk to THE OP. When Outpost Media needs a location, they set up at THE OP. When a new family arrives through Settle the West, their welcome packet includes a free drink at THE OP. When an investor visits the campus, the first meeting happens at THE OP. Everything connects here.
How THE OP Connects the Ecosystem
Every BHC entity drives foot traffic to THE OP — and THE OP gives back.
GrowWise
GrowWise employees eat, meet, and work from THE OP daily. Team standup spot.
Outpost Media
Live recordings, podcast interviews, and content creation happen right from the cafe floor.
Seed Academy
Students use THE OP as a study hall and networking space. Discounted drinks for enrollees.
THE CULT
Convention pre-parties, product tastings, and after-parties center on THE OP.
Settle the West
New relocates get their first taste of Custer at THE OP. Welcome packets include a free drink.
Auric Labs
Accelerator teams pitch and prototype at THE OP. Investors visit here first.
Pass Creek Campus
THE OP is the front door to the entire 15-acre campus. First thing visitors see.
Seed Foundation
Foundation programs host community events and fundraisers at THE OP regularly.
The Partner List for Relocators
When you move to the Black Hills through Settle the West, these are your people. Vetted businesses that believe in what we are building.
Real Estate
Realtors who understand the vision. Percentage of commission on Settle the West move-ins. First stop for every relocator looking for a home.
Restaurants
Featured dining list for visitors and relocators. Catering opportunities for campus events. Cross-promotion through Outpost Media content.
Breweries & Beverage
Local breweries: tap takeover nights at THE OP, revenue share on featured pours. Coffee roasters as THE OP suppliers with permanent branding.
Tours & Activities
Tour operators: package deals for visitors, referral fees for bookings. Outdoor guides for employee perks and investor entertainment.
Professional Services
Lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, and banks with preferred rates for BHC community members. The professional backbone of relocation.
Shops & Retail
Local businesses that stock BHC merch. Exclusive offers for community members. Featured in the Settle the West welcome guide.
Revenue Share Model
Every partner in the ecosystem generates revenue for themselves AND for the community. Referral fees, featured placements, and exclusive offers create a self-reinforcing local economy. When a Settle the West relocator buys a home, the realtor earns commission and a portion flows back to the program. When a brewery does a tap takeover, they sell beer and THE OP sells food. Rising tides.
Connection to Settle the West
When remote workers relocate through our program, they get the Partner List on Day 1. These are not random recommendations — they are vetted businesses that believe in what we are building. From finding a home to opening a bank account to joining a hiking group, the Partner List is the relocator's on-ramp to Black Hills life.
Learn about THE OP's roleThe Experience We're Building
A vision for the community we are creating at THE OP.
“It's like nothing else in the Hills. The coffee is incredible, but it's the people that keep me coming back.”
Sarah M.
Custer Resident
“I relocated from Denver through Settle the West. THE OP was my first stop, and now it's my daily office.”
James K.
Remote Worker
“We record two shows a month from THE OP. The energy in the room makes for better content every time.”
Outpost Media
Content Partner
Planned Local Partnerships
We will source from Black Hills roasters, bakers, and producers. We hire local. We reinvest in the community. Because that's what local-first in the Black Hills means.