Kalona area residents are in for a new treat when the Kalona Coffee House opens its doors at 305 5th Street at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, just in time to welcome people from the Kalona Fall Festival.

Owners Jeff and Rhonda Yoder have been busy this past month getting the old veterinary clinic remodeled and spruced up to make it a comfortable place to enjoy a hot cup of brew, fruit smoothies, pastries or sandwiches.

“We will be serving the traditional hot and iced coffee drinks, such as mochas, lattes, cappuccinos, etc.,” said Rhonda who worked as a barista at Caribou Coffee in Coralville for three years. “We will be featuring Hemisphere Coffee which is popular in this area.” According to the Hemisphere Coffee Roaster website, “Hemisphere Coffee Roasters is on a mission: to assist coffee growing countries by purchasing coffee directly from farmers who will be a ‘conduit of blessing’ to their entire communities.”

The coffee house will also offer customers wireless Internet connections.

The Kalona Coffee House will be featuring pastries and sandwiches from Rhonda’s aunt (Marilyn Bender) at the Kalona Bakery. 

“We will also have hand-dipped Heyns ice cream and Kalona Chocolates,” noted Rhonda, who is the daughter of John and Sally Hershberger who have the produce at the Kalona Farmers Market.

Jeff pointed out that the Kalona Coffee House will have seating for 30 at tables, plus several sofas, so people can relax and lounge while reading or visiting.

“We will also have a small room where people can hold small group meetings, bible study, etc.” Jeff said. There is also a television set with programming by Kalona Television. Any small group that would like to use the special room should call 656-5333.

Hours for the Kalona Coffee House will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday,

8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“Ninety-five percent of the drinks we serve have prices lower that those of each of the four major coffee shops in Iowa City,” said Rhhonda. “Customers should also watch for weekly specials.”

The Kalona Coffee House web page is under construction, but you can view their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kalonacoffeehouse. You can also email them at kalonacoffee@kctc.net.

Rhonda is a graduate of Pathway Christian School. She met Jeff Yoder, a Michigan native, in Rosedale Mennonite Mission’s REACH program in 2002 and they have been married for six years.

“We found the coffee houses we spent time in while at Rosedale and in REACH a great place to study and build relationships,” Rhonda said. “We think area people will enjoy this type of atmosphere in Kalona. We want to provide a meeting place for the community and also a unique experience for tourists.”

Rhonda will be mainly responsible for operating the Kalona Coffee House.

“I will help where I can,” Jeff said. He is a history student at the University of Iowa and drives for Cambus in Iowa City.