At midday during the Sundance Film Festival, when much of Park City feels strangely quiet between screenings, Atticus Coffee is anything but. The longtime Main Street staple has become the unofficial daytime headquarters for sundance go-ers, skiers and media members navigating the festival. It’s packed, loud and buzzing with an energy that feels distinctly Sundance.
Between films, press obligations and staggered screening schedules, festivalgoers have gravitated toward Atticus as a central meeting point. Locals duck in to warm up, skiers stop by for some pre or post-runs, and media members settle in to file stories or collect their thoughts. Laptops sit beside their coffee, and conversations overlap, creating an environment that feels as much a part of the festival as the screenings themselves.
Despite lines stretching toward the door and tables filled beyond capacity, the mood inside remains light. “This isn’t even as bad as it gets,” one customer said with a laugh as the crowd pressed closer together. Laptops are open, coffee cups move constantly across tables, and people seem more focused on enjoying the shared experience than worrying about personal space.
Behind the counter, the pace is relentless but upbeat. “It starts around 9:30 and it just goes,” a barista said. “The lines usually end up out the door and it’s good business for small businesses, also good tips which is a plus.” The steady flow hasn’t dampened spirits either. Baristas move quickly and confidently, clearly feeding off the momentum of the festival crowd.
Even the payment screen has become part of the Atticus experience. At one point, it defaulted to French, confusing customers before prompting laughter and jokes about it being a subtle push toward tipping. Small moments like these add to the sense of shared chaos that defines Sundance at its peak.
Beyond its role as a festival hotspot, Atticus remains deeply rooted in the local community. The coffee shop donates 1.5 percent of its sales to local nonprofit organizations, with this month’s proceeds benefiting the Christian Center of Park City. The organization serves as a humanitarian resource, providing essential services, counseling and support for individuals and families in need. Even as Sundance brings global attention to Park City, Atticus keeps its focus in the community.
With Sundance running nearly nonstop from morning through night, Atticus has become the place to reset between films, regroup after busy stretches of the day or simply sit and absorb the atmosphere. If Sundance feels slow elsewhere at noon, it’s because the energy has concentrated here where the coffee is hot, the lines are long, and no one seems to mind.
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This story is jointly published by Salt Lake magazine and non-profit Amplify Utah to elevate perspectives in local media through student and emerging journalism.
