Our Story

The Story of Roots Coffee Co.

Roots Coffee Co. is a testament to hard work, patience, community, and above all, God’s provision and perfect timing.

It all began with a dream—Mark and Kendra Horst envisioned transforming a small, oak-filled property at a busy intersection in the heart of Yoder, Kansas, into a destination coffee shop. As active business owners in the Yoder community, they saw an opportunity to give back by creating a welcoming space where locals could connect over consistently great coffee, handcrafted drinks, and a locally sourced, made-from-scratch menu. Beyond that, they recognized the need for a convenient and inviting stop for commuters traveling between Hutchinson, Wichita, and the surrounding areas for work, school, and daily errands.

Turning this vision into reality, however, required perseverance. The process of securing the necessary county permits proved to be long and challenging. After many meetings with county officials, engineers, and coffee shop architects, they finally received approval to move forward with construction.

Yet, one crucial piece was still missing—the right team to run the shop. With their existing commitments as business owners and parents, Mark and Kendra knew they needed dedicated individuals to oversee daily operations. They remained steadfast in their decision not to break ground until the right leadership was in place. That patience paid off when two passionate and experienced managers, Kimberly Miller and Samantha Meek, joined the team to help bring Roots Coffee Co. from concept to reality.

Finally, in November 2024—more than two years after the dream was planted—groundbreaking took place and construction is officially underway!

Roots Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a local destination café built on stewardship, consistency, and a deep love for the community. We can’t wait to welcome you—our friends and neighbors—through our doors. See you soon!