It’s hot. Lucky for Denton residents, Glenn and Melissa Haas just opened a new watering hole for overheated locals.

The Hydrant Cafe, which opened Aug. 8, serves mochas, smoothies, Italian cream sodas and freshly squeezed lemonade. The cafe also offers a light breakfast and lunch.

DRC/Al Key

Owners Glenn and Melissa Haas have opened the Hydrant Cafe on West Oak Street, just off the Square.

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A 2001 graduate of the University of North Texas College of Music, Glenn Haas turned in his trumpet for a business plan that included working for the competition — Starbucks.

“Two years after graduating, I was pursuing my business plan,” said Haas, 33. “I let the guy know [the Starbucks manager] that I was planning to open my shop.”

He said the experience he gained by working at Star­bucks for a year was invaluable. In addition to learning the mechanics of the business, he also learned the essence of good customer service.

“We don’t want our customers to wait,” Haas said. “They can expect their drinks within two minutes of when they place their order.”

Haas opened his first shop in 2004 on the campus of North Central Texas College-Corinth, and his business grew with the college.

“I owe a lot to NCTC for the opportunity that they provided us to start a business,” he said. “[Dr.] Lee Ann Nutt, when she hired us, she was doing us a big favor.”

The Hydrant Cafe on West Oak Street is the next step.

The expansion has been brought to life with the help of his wife, Melissa, their families and friends, who have spent many hours painting walls, installing booths and arranging furniture.

“I think it is exciting to be able to renovate, make it our own,” said Melissa Haas, 28, who is a teacher.

“It’s been the biggest adventure of my life ... to see our vision become one.”

The couple renovated the two-story building that used to house the bar Atticus into a firehouse-themed shop, painted with red, black and silver. Hanging on the walls are photos of fire trucks and equipment, taken by Glenn Haas’ friend Marc Bran­denburg.

On the second floor is a kitchen with a bar and armchairs, sofas and side tables.

Haas’ ultimate plan for the Hydrant Cafe aesthetic is simple.

“We want to be a place where people can get a good bite and have a really good drink,” he said.

—Karina Ramírez and Lucinda Breeding