SIOUX CITY | A site that for four decades was home to a Burger King along a major city artery has been remodeled into a place for organic coffee fans and those who need clean clothes.
Stone Bru coffee shop opened in December at 4243 Gordon Drive. The Bru portion of the name is for coffee brewing and the Stone alludes to the adjoining street to the Gordon location. Owners Brad Lepper, Jeff Boonstra and Robby Jennings, who also works as store manager, decided to go into the coffee shop business together.
Lepper also has ownership of the laundry piece at the site. Lepper first bought a laundry business in Dakota City, Neb., then with a few other owners created River City Laundry at the Gordon Drive spot. The former BK building has been completely renovated and outfitted with new washing machines for that portion.
The original idea was just to have another laundromat, but the size of the building begged for something more. Therefore, the distinctive element is the adjacent Stone Bru business aiming to fill the niche of serving organic espresso.
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The warm and earthy Stone Bru portion has ceiling tiles wrapped in burlap coffee bags from around the world. Reclaimed pallet wood covers one wall that matches the tops of two handmade bistro tables.
The organic espresso comes from fair trade coffee beans that are grown in Mexico, roasted in Sioux City and ground onsite. It’s a response to the growing demand for organic products, which Jennings said is a distinct desire for some Siouxlanders.
"We definitely have some people that seek us out because we are an organic alternative," said Jennings, who is transitioning from a career as a financial advisor.
The three coffee blends are all organic, smoothies have organic ingredients and some of the teas are organic as well. Stone Bru also has locally sourced doughnuts, bagels and cookies to go along with the hot and cold drinks.
Jennings said a key advantage of the business location is proximity to Western Iowa Tech Community College and Morningside College students. He said signature lattes are named after mascots of city colleges and high schools.
Jennings said the biggest patronage rush comes from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., then college students and others come steadily throughout the day.
"Things are going well. ... We are definitely improving each week," he said.
Regardless of the changes inside and out, Jennings said some people haven't noticed that Burger King has closed, going through the drive-through and trying to order a Whopper hamburger.
"We had to break the news to them," Jennings said.
