KETTERING, OH – Paige Woodie, the owner of Val’s Bakery, is gearing up to launch a new drive-thru-only coffee stand in Kettering. Coffee Bar by Val’s Bakery is set for a soft opening on Dec. 6 at 5707 Bigger Road, the former site of Sassy Acai Bowls in Oak Creek Plaza, directly across from Thai Street Noodles.
Fast Service with a Nostalgic Touch
“The concept of the drive-thru is quick service,” Woodie said. “Even if you see a line to the street, still expect to get served within a matter of minutes. That’s the goal of this location.”
This isn’t Woodie’s first venture into the drive-thru coffee business.
“My first business in 2011 was a little drive-thru coffee shop in Oregon,” she shared. “In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find coffee huts on nearly every corner. I have such nostalgia for that experience. It’s also incredibly fun working in those little huts, and I want my staff to enjoy that atmosphere too.”
A Long-Awaited Location
Woodie has had her sights set on the Bigger Road location for years, having previously operated inside Dished!, located across the street. Over the past two years, she remained in contact with the property’s landlord, though the building appeared vacant due to an existing lease.
“I just feel really grateful,” Woodie said.
Since securing the site in October, she enlisted artist Kristen Kellar to paint a mural on the coffee stand, echoing the ocean and sunset design featured in Val’s downtown Dayton location. A native of San Diego, Woodie says the artwork reflects her longing for the coastal landscapes of her hometown.
A Unique Coffee Experience
The Coffee Bar will serve Val’s signature coffee menu with a twist.
“We have rotating seasonal drinks at the bakery, but some of them are so popular we get requests for them year-round,” Woodie explained.
The drive-thru will offer Val’s seasonal favorites, including cookie butter lattes, cinnamon toast crunch lattes, tiramisu cold brew, strawberry matcha lattes, and mango matcha lattes.
Espresso will continue to be sourced from Namesake Coffee, with cold brew supplied by Twisted River Coffee Roaster. True to Val’s tradition, all syrups will be crafted in-house.
Additionally, Coffee Bar will feature a rotating “featured roaster,” beginning with Centerville-based ContempoRoast, which will also inspire a specialty drink on the menu.
Food Options and Customer Focus
While the new stand won’t carry the croissants from Val’s downtown Dayton bakery, it will offer a selection of cookies, brownies, scones, bagels with cream cheese, and avocado bagel toast.
Woodie expressed her excitement about providing a fresh experience for both her employees and customers.
“We really appreciate them and we’re excited for them to come give us a try if they haven’t yet,” she said.
Coffee Bar by Val’s Bakery promises to blend fast service with high-quality, locally sourced products, delivering a new way for the Kettering community to enjoy their daily brew.