The former Sweet Medicine Pharmacy on Main Street in Iola has been transformed into the village’s newest coffee shop, Iola Coffee Co. The building was purchased last March by Cindy Schamber and her family, who worked tirelessly to renovate the space.
Schamber, along with her husband Jeremy Zielke and children Alyiah Weed and Alex Zielke, began the renovation process immediately. They pulled up old carpet, refloored the space, added custom woodwork, painted, and made other updates to the building, which officially opened on January 31.
“I can still see the blue stripe around the border and the gray walls and the blue carpet on the floor,” said Schamber. “We worked with a lot of amazing people to make this happen.”
Opening a coffee shop had been a long-time goal for the family. Schamber and Alyiah often frequented local coffee shops, and when the building became available, they saw the perfect opportunity. “We watched it for a while and then we were finally able to purchase this building. That’s when we said, ‘Guess what? We’re opening a coffee shop,’” Schamber explained.
One key feature they were looking for in a coffee shop location was a drive-through window, offering more convenience to customers.
Inside, customers are greeted by a large mural of downtown Iola from 1925, made possible with help from the Iola Historical Society. Schamber and her family were able to choose an old photograph to enlarge, creating a unique piece of local history for the shop.
Iola Coffee Co. currently offers a full drink menu, including lotus energy drinks, hot chocolate, boba tea, chai tea, and lattes. While food is not yet available, Schamber plans to offer paninis and wraps soon. In the meantime, bakery items are available.
In addition to the drive-through, the shop features a cozy lobby for customers to sit and enjoy their drinks. Online ordering is also available for added convenience.
“We’re just excited to bring this to the community,” said Schamber. “The community has been very supportive.”
Iola Coffee Co. is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Related topics:
- % Arabica to Open New Cafe at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga
- Alicia’s Coffee Opens at A.G. Motel
- Alicia’s Coffee Opens New Location at the Historic A.G. Gaston Motel