Coffea is coming...

Construction has finally begun on our new retail outlet and rosterie. Here's an article recently published in the Argus Leader to fill you in. Also, be sure to check out www.CoffeaRoasterie.com for more information.

The construction of a small retail mall is under way on South Louise Avenue in front of the ClubHouse Hotel and Suites.

The 4,400-square-foot building is being developed by Regency Hotel Management and will have two tenants. The building should be done by the end of January.

The owners of Great Plains Coffee Roasting Co. in The Empire Mall are moving into one of the spaces with their new cafe concept - Coffea - which will be a roastery and espresso bar. The mall location will close once the cafe opens around March. It will have seating for about 50 people.

Besides having all the traditional cafe drinks such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate, the owners are whipping up their own creations using fresh spices and other natural flavoring.

"We're trying to take a culinary approach ... to try to really create some really unique and natural drinks that complement the flavors of espresso," said Jenna Aukerman, who owns the business with Jon Brudvig and Paul Brough.

Aukerman said they hope to have something for everyone. That will include some light food items such as pastries and hummus or cheese trays, though the menu hasn't been set.

Great Plains has been in the mall since 1992. Auckerman and her partners took over more than a year ago. They decided to move the cafe to provide more space for customers to relax, Aukerman said.

"The impetus for us moving out was to create a space where people can get the best coffee and sit down ... and be able to get away from it all," she said.