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6/3/2020 |
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Uptown Coffee Company Opens, A Favorite Returns |
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Coffee lovers have a new spot to enjoy a local brew in Marion. On June 1, Rex Ruskauff and Lexi Matthews opened Uptown Coffee Company at 760 11th St, Ste A. The shop is nestled in the front of Uptown Snug and has surprised Marionites with the return of Donutland. A ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, June 5, National Donut Day, at Noon. Follow it live on the Marion Chamber Facebook page facebook.com/MarionIAChamber.
In addition to coffee and donuts, Uptown Coffee Company will feature a full menu of espresso drinks, cold brew, and Kombucha. For those wanting something savory the breakfast and lunch menu includes bacon or veggie egg bake, paninis, Roasted Veggie Cheesesteak, and Classic BLT.
The menu is created by Rex who has a passion and background in food service. His experience at restaurants in the Iowa City area led him to Chicago, his hometown, where he worked at a range of restaurants from 1 Michelin starred fine dining establishments to high volume burger joints.
“I fell in love with the speed, pressure, and wordless dance you do in the kitchen during service,” said Ruskauff. “My family taught me early that food never tastes better than when the person doing the cooking cares about who they are cooking for. Lexi and I are looking forward to sharing that passion in Marion.”
The two met in Iowa City in 2014 when Lexi was pursuing business and music at the University of Iowa. As she began working full-time in the music industry in Chicago, Lexi’s drive to be a small business owner continued to grow.
“The plan had always been to return home to Iowa,” said Matthews. “When Covid-19 hit we both suddenly found our busy industry lives coming to a halt when we were laid off. It only changed our timeline and solidified what already knew we wanted to do.”
The announcement of Uptown Coffee Company partnering with Donutland was welcome throughout Marion, which was home to the bakery until 2006. Lexi was introduced to Donutland’s new owners, Jeff and Stacy Collins, who have placed their donuts in shops in NewBo and Iowa City.
“It was a good fit,” added Matthews. “They are asked daily when Donutland is returning to Marion. Here we are!”
Uptown Coffee Company is open Tuesday – Saturday, 7 am – 2 pm. They are currently open for dine-in, carry-out, and curbside. Learn more by visiting uptowncoffee.co or Facebook.com/UptownCoffeeComp
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