Marshallton, U.S. – Most Wanted Coffee, a local favorite since its inception as a coffee trailer earlier this summer, has opened its first permanent location. The new coffee shop, situated at 231 N. 13th St. in the 13th Street District, officially opened its doors today. Formerly home to West End Perk, the shop operates from 6 a.m. to mid-afternoon, offering a unique blend of flavors and a community-focused approach.
A Rapid Rise to Popularity
Owners Matt Wilder and Anthony “Tony” B. admit they were unprepared for the overwhelming success of their venture. Recalling their initial days, Wilder shared that the business launched just one day after passing a food inspection, with no prior experience or equipment testing.
“We just went out there, blowing fuses and throwing breakers,” Wilder said, chuckling. “We had too much power going to our generator. It was pouring rain, but we still killed it.”
The duo credits their hometown roots and the diversity of their drink offerings for their rapid rise. Most Wanted Coffee boasts a vast selection of beverages, including Americanos, lattes, espressos, drip coffee, and countless flavor options.
Standing Out From the Chains
Tony emphasized the shop’s commitment to exceeding the standards set by major chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Scooter’s.
“We have every flavor you can imagine,” said Wilder. “That’s our niche. Any flavor of coffee you want, we’ll have it.”
In addition to their extensive flavor combinations, the owners have invested heavily in sourcing high-quality coffee beans. After weeks of research, Tony found the ideal partner in Michigan-based Creation Coffee, whose beans are sourced from Costa Rica and Guatemala.
“The magic is in the bean itself,” Wilder explained. “People love it because it’s smooth, not too strong, and doesn’t cause stomach issues or jitters.”
Most Wanted Coffee prioritizes freshness, with beans staying in the shop for no more than five days. This commitment to quality is also why they forgo decaf options, citing low demand and their focus on delivering premium products.
Innovative Flavors and Holiday Specials
What truly sets Most Wanted Coffee apart is its creativity. From holiday-inspired drinks to signature twists, the shop is redefining what customers expect from a coffeehouse. Instead of the ubiquitous pumpkin spice, Most Wanted Coffee offers a unique Pumpkin Pie flavor for the season.
“Everyone does pumpkin spice. We do Pumpkin Pie,” Tony explained, adding that the difference, though subtle, is noticeable.
On Monday, the shop introduced the “Banana Hammock,” a new flavor combination developed after 30 minutes of rigorous taste testing. Experimentation and attention to detail are central to the business, with Tony and Wilder constantly refining their recipes.
“We put creativity into every bottle of syrup,” Tony said. “That’s what separates us. We’re always coming up with new flavors and keeping them around as long as possible.”
Expanding Operations and Community Engagement
While the trailer remains operational, it will feature a more limited menu. The mobile unit is scheduled to appear at a holiday event in Waterloo on Nov. 26 and 27. Wilder also hinted at potential future expansions but emphasized the need to stabilize the new 13th Street location first.
Social media has been a powerful tool for the business’s growth. Tony manages the shop’s Facebook page, using humor and daily updates to connect with customers.
“We’re doing it our way, not the way everyone else thinks it should be done,” Wilder said. “People appreciate that.”
Tony added, “I think it’s a breath of fresh air. Everyone wants to be themselves, but many are scared to try. We get comments daily on our energy on Facebook. The conversation we have with people is half the business.”
Name: Most Wanted Coffee
Address: 231 N. 13th St.
Phone: 641-751-6138
Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday