Koffie Knechtion

The story of this business, and the quality of food and drinks are all worth your invested time it takes to drive here and experience the cozy and inviting atmosphere tucked away on the back roads of South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Reinvented at the age of 50

Employed as an airline employee for 27 years, owner, Maureen Knecht, found herself jobless after the Delta Airlines reservation center closed here in Sioux City. Maureen told me she tried finding a job, but company after company wouldn’t hire her, stating that she didn’t have enough job experience. Twenty-seven years with the same corporation is not enough job experience? What!? That alone should show that she is a trusted and valued employee.

So, at fifty years old, Maureen enrolled as a nontraditional student at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC). Graduating ten months later, she earned herself three degrees after taking all the classes she needed to start her own business.

Community support

As many articles written about her in the Sioux City Journal, I actually only heard of Koffie Knechtion from other coffee shop owners. Proof that local business owners truly do support each other, and when it’s a heartwarming story like this, people want to get behind a worthy cause.

Jitters, Palmer Candy and Coffee King all recommended Maureen’s business. In fact, I was having lunch at Jitters, and asked one of the ladies there if they rent out their café for special events. She informed me that they do not, however, she suggested that I should check out Koffie Knechtion in South Sioux City. So, I looked up the business, found the address and took note of the narrow window of their hours of operation.

My initial visit

The next week I made my first visit. It was in late February, snow covered everything, no flowers in bloom, and outdoor events were on hold until the weather warmed up in the Spring and Summer. That didn’t stop me from envisioning the potential of this quaint farmhouse coffee shop.

Stepping into the warm embrace of espresso and baked bread, I immediately felt welcomed. I had found a true hidden gem, a treasure, a secret garden. This! This is the surprise around the corner I’ll be sharing with my friends and family from out of town.

Daily specials

Maureen is the chef, so chef’s choice is the menu for the day, which always changes. You never know what she’ll be serving until you get there. I actually really like this concept. She invites you to try something new during every visit.

Serving quiche, breakfast burritos, muffins, pastries, scones and much more, Maureen uses recipes she’s perfected handed down to her from her mother. Teaching herself how to make a cappuccino, she also serves coffee, and it’s fantastic.

Transforming an old farmhouse into a coffee shop

Mismatched furniture, decorative rugs, and seashells scattered throughout, there is no bad seat in the house. T-shirts, trinkets, and coffee mugs for sale, you’ll also find clever and motivational wall art.

Remodeling a rundown building on their 5-acre property, Maureen and her husband, Darwin, have been growing their business since 2014. Even adding on a bed and breakfast tree house a couple years ago, which is almost always booked.

The only bed and breakfast tree house in siouxland

Maureen also told me her husband plans on building up to three more tree houses on their property since their finding that the demand for a unique vacation stay is there. In fact, the current, and future tree houses, do not have any electricity, but a lamp. This was done strategically, so couples and families are forced to put down their devices and reconnect.

And you’d be surprised how many people are purposely and willingly driving down from Yankton, for example, and even flying all the way from the Netherlands, just to stay at this one-of-a-kind destination retreat.

events calendar

Additionally, Maureen has done an excellent job promoting her business by hosting the Summer Solstice Market every year. Supporting and promoting local vendors, this event goes on all summer, inviting small business owners to bring their creations, share ideas, and converse over coffee.

In addition to the Summer Solstice Market, Koffie Knechtion also hosts Music in the Pasture, Classic Car Shows, and even Italian Night. You can see their entire list of past events on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheKoffieKnechtion/.

Need a place for your next family reunion?

Finally, Maureen rents out her coffee shop after hours for anything from makeup parties, graduation celebrations and even club meetings. After talking with Maureen, reviewing her schedule, I called her a month after my initial visit and booked my bridal shower. She allowed me to bring my own fruit and veggie trays, and I had her make her famous chicken salad sandwiches. Everyone who attended said the food was amazing, and that they never knew this place existed. I was more than happy to introduce my guests to a new business, afterall, my goal is to help others support our local farmers and small business owners.

Plan your trip

As well, I hope you will take the time to drive out, experience this beautiful setting, and enjoy a soulful brunch with friends. And if you’d like to book an event with Maureen, check out her website (http://www.thekoffieknechtion.com/), and email her directly with questions and requests.

712-635-7374
419 Golf Rd
South Sioux City, NE 68776

Hours of operation:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Fri: 7am to 2pm
Sat & Sun: 8am to 12pm