Vicki and her husband, Clinton, a one-time Ingersoll Rand employee who, like so many, saw his job shipped out of state, opened the coffee shop to provide a meeting place and a second home for people in and around Cross Plains. “We want to know everybody’s name that comes in,” she explained.

The new coffee shop and café is located beside the post office in what was once the first bank in the area, built in 1907. The couple spent several months renovating the building which has been home to a number of businesses over the years including most recently a chiropractor’s office, photography studio and custom jeweler’s workshop. With the newly enclosed back stairway, the beautifully restored original hardwood floors and the repurposed bank vault that now houses a small reading nook, Cross Plains Coffee Mill & Café has brought back a lost piece of history in the oldest settlement in Robertson County.

Lattes are the beverage of choice for many of the mill’s customers, and all kinds of coffees, lattes, teas and cream sodas can be found. Shultz attended a barista school to become a Master Barista before opening the shop. Patrons can savor her hand-pressed, fresh espresso every day along with the many flavorful options that grace the menu. Each of the menu selections is available as a “moo” as well, a choice that retains the identity of each drink but omits the espresso. In addition to beverages, the shop offers freshly baked cinnamon rolls and raspberry scones as well as a variety of lunch time sandwich wraps. As summer approaches the menu will be expanding to include frozen treats, salads, fruit salads and hot lunches.
Around every corner is a new place to relax, enjoy coffee, read a book or chat with friends. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the second story is especially enjoyable with its views of the town and abundant natural light. The large upstairs room seats thirty-six at small round tables and is available for rent for special events or meetings. A stage fills the end of the room, making it an excellent place for showers and bridal teas, according to Shultz. “I would eventually like to host live music here,” she expressed.

Cross Plains Coffee Mill & Café, “purveyors of fine coffee and adequate conversation,” provides wi-fi access to its patrons along with friendly service and genuine care and community spirit. For those looking for a place to gather, a moment of peaceful reverie and a great cup of coffee, stop by Cross Plains Coffee Mill & Café located at 7778 Highway 25. Call 379-1182 for more information. The shop is open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday with a 5:00 p.m. closing time on Wednesday and a 7:00 a.m. opening on Saturday. Find them on the web at www.crossplains-coffee.com.