Written by Giovanna Zavell, DSMG Contributor

Husband and wife duo, Drew and Kara Kelso, dreamed of opening a space for people to gather. A place to connect, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and take time to slow down. 

Hardware Store Turned Coffee Shop

Drew and Kara, owners of The Slow Down Coffee Co, are not Des Moines natives. But, have made the Highland Park neighborhood their home after moving there in 2013. Drew is originally from the small town of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Kara is from Burlington, Iowa. Drew moved to Kansas City in 2007 where he met Kara while working at Barnes & Noble. It was fate and the two married in 2011. 

“We decided to take a leap of faith and move to Des Moines,” Kara says. “Drew had never even visited Des Moines until he was driving a U-haul there!”

Drew became involved in the neighborhood association and became Vice President in 2017. “During my time leading the neighborhood association, I spoke at a forum in April of 2019 about how we needed more third party spaces where neighbors could simply meet each other,” Drew says. “Bill Wheeler, owner of Hiland Hardware, was in that forum.” After the meeting, Drew met with Bill, who had an exciting opportunity that might just help make his dreams a reality. 

After 90 years in business, Bill was ready to liquidate his hardware store and semi-retire. He purchased the business from his uncle back in 1986 and served the northside for 33 years. After hearing Drew’s ideas about opening a gathering space, he knew his plans to close in December aligned perfectly.  “Bill said he would be willing to hold the space if I wanted to pursue this dream I had for many years,” Drew says. 

A Place for Community Exchange

It didn’t take long for Drew and Kara to get to work. When January rolled around, the remodel planned for the 100 year old building began. Coffee equipment and supplies quickly started filling the space. During the remodel, the Kelsos discovered little reminders of the building’s past. Just inside the entryway is a stenciling, welcoming customers with an image of two roses. As a way to further connect the building’s history, a rose was incorporated in the Slow Down logo. 

With plans to open in the summer of 2020, the Kelsos realized this would not be possible due to the ongoing pandemic. But, with patience, the time finally came. The Slow Down opened its doors to the community on November 3, 2020. Initially, they started with just to-go services. As time passed, neighbors were welcomed inside to enjoy each other’s company. 

“We take pride in serving super fresh coffee and snacks from local vendors while also offering a safe, comfortable and inclusive space for our community,” Kara says. Whether you are a coffee lover or tea drinker, the menu has something for you. Coffee is sourced from Windmill Coffee Roasters (an Iowa brand, located in Ames!) and tea comes from Des Moines favorite, Red Dragon. 

Snacks and treats from local vendors can also be enjoyed in house or on the run. New World Kitchen meals, cinnamon roll Sundays from LeeTy Delights, and so many other goodies are available. And, if you have a dietary restriction, you’ll likely find vegan and gluten free options too. You’ll also find a number of local goods such as plants from Renovation Jungle, art, puzzles and so much more. We can guarantee there will be something that catches your eye while your waiting for your order. 

 

“The Slow Down is really about reminding ourselves and our community to slow down and take time for each other and ourselves; to really connect with people and do things you enjoy,” Kara says. “We have to remind ourselves to slow down on a daily basis!”

A Brew-tiful Pair

Serving the community is something both Drew and Kara care deeply about. Watching their shared dream become a reality is definitely felt in the connections they make each day. And the best part is, they get to do it together. 

“I love running it with my wife, in the neighborhood that we live in, for the friends who are neighbors,” Drew says. “Watching all the connections happen in real time is amazing. It truly feels like a community exchange and we have the front row seats.”

“Seeing our dream come to reality has been amazing,” Kara says. “Seeing neighbors meet each other, build connections, show their creations to the community…it’s just so special. It seems to be a space where people feel really comfortable and we hope that we can continue that.”

Try This Next Time You’re In!

In addition to their regular menu, you can also enjoy seasonal drinks at The Slow Down. But, if you’re looking for a tried and true, check out these two favorites. 

  • Fan (and my) Favorite: Honey Cinnamon Latte 
  • Drew and Kara’s current favorite: House Drip Black – It’s easy and never disappoints.

Also, don’t forget to check out the beautiful mural located behind the coffee bar by local artist, Marissa Hernandez. You’ll also find other pieces by her sometimes among the local goods section of the shop. 

The Slow Down Coffee Co.

Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Want more?

Want more behind the scenes of cool people and businesses in Des Moines. Check out our “Meet” category at the link below.

Meet more cool people!