Washington Evening Journal
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Road Trip Coffee Co. opens in Montezuma
By J.O. Parker, Chronicle Republican
Jul. 2, 2024 9:57 am
MONTEZUMA — Are you thirsty for an espresso, cup of brewed or iced coffee or an energy drink?
The newly opened Road Trip Coffee Co. at 100 S. Second St. (at the southwest corner of Second and Main Streets) has what you need.
Owned and operated by Juli Stanford and Dave Bral, the business opened its doors Saturday, June 8.
“The first day was wild,” said Stanford. “People were backed into the street.”
The couple decided to open the business after running a successful coffee shop, West Side Java, in Newton. That business was sold to a local Newton resident.
The new coffee shop offers drive through and walk-up options. There is no indoor seating available, but there is a gazebo with benches for outdoor seating.
The menu includes espresso drinks, Lotus energy drinks, hot, iced blended drinks, brewed coffee, iced coffee and cold brewed, frappes, smoothies, lemonade, mocha’s, latte’s, assorted milks with oat, almond and coconut milks, hot chocolate and a variety of sweet treats such as muffins, scones, cookies, lemon breads and edible cookie bites.
Drink and sweet treat prices range from $3 — $9. Drink sizes range from 16 ounces to 32 ounces.
“If someone brings their dog, we give them a pup cup,” said Stanford. “It’s whip cream with a treat.”
The couple said they were approached by several people who encouraged them to open the drive-through coffee house business.
When they decided to move forward with the project, the couple approached Capra Bank, owners of the land, about opening a coffee shop on the empty lot.
“They (Capra Bank) were excited that we were doing something for the community,” said Bral.
The portable building, 14-feet by 24-feet, was constructed in Riverside by Premier Buildings. Bushong Construction of Montezuma helped with installation of the building.
Colton Maschmann did the concrete work and Steel Excavating installed the water and sewer lines.
“We did much of the other work ourselves,” said Stanford.
The couple decided on the name Road Trip Coffee Co. because the shop is close to Highway 63 and easy to access.
“I thought going on a road trip for coffee was a good name,” said Stanford.
The business is open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Bral takes orders and runs the register. Stanford mixes and pours the drinks. They have a part-time helper from Brooklyn and former employee at Center Ground Coffee Shop.
“We even have a mascot,” said Stanford with a smile. “His name is Earl the Squirrel.”
The business can be reached at 641-501-6060.