Store History

The River Road Coffeehouse journey to the campus of Kenyon College began in 2011 when the Formans met with Middle Ground Café owners, Joel and Margaret Gunderson.  The popular coffee and food establishment resided in the center of Gambier and enjoyed a strong student customer base.  The Gundersons also owned the neighboring Village Inn and were interested in focusing their energies on that business.  The Formans were concerned that the significant “food” focus of the existing business would make it difficult for a replacement coffeehouse to enjoy success.  Mark and David also felt strongly that specific efforts would be necessary to emphasize the “local” orientation of the business.  The dialogue with the Gundersons was re-opened in early 2012 and an assets purchase agreement was finalized in April of 2012.

Wiggin Street Coffee opened in August of 2012 just prior to the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year.  A complete renovation of the kitchen and service area was accomplished to highlight the coffee-orientation of the new business. The new La Marzocco Linea espresso machine was located in close proximity to the front counter to enhance barista interaction with customers and a high-end coffee and tea brew bar was located adjacent to the existing “pick-up” window.  While the menu emphasized espresso-based drinks, coffee and tea…it was also important to offer high-quality pastry and a limited selection of food items that were sourced from local vendors.

Affectionately dubbed “Wiggle Ground” by the KC students, the coffeehouse has enjoyed continued success as a supporter of “coffee and community”.  Although still in its early stages of development, Wiggin Street Coffee hopes to continue a long tradition of offering community members and students a place to gather and discuss the issues of the day in the tradition of European Coffeehouses while enjoying outstanding specialty coffee sourced from small farms and cooperatives with a tradition of excellence!