New coffee shop parks in Northwood

Carpenter Coffee Company parked its coffee trailer last December to set up its first brick and mortar shop in Northwood, paving the way for its grand opening at the beginning of this year.

The shop is owned by Jon and Bree Back, who started their business in a trailer in 2022 and began participating in many local farmers markets. Alongside its beverages, including coffee, lattes, tea, smoothies and more, the shop sells various rotating homemade baked goods. Right now, customers can enjoy energy bites, caramel pecan rolls, raspberry white chocolate scones and ham and cheese scones.

Carpenter Coffee Co. also offers catering for various events indoors or outdoors, including birthdays, graduations, bridal parties, baby showers and small-town celebrations.

“I love getting to know someone, their name, where they’re from, and then try to give them something they haven’t had before through their experience,” Jon said.

The Backs pride themselves in their attention to detail throughout each step of making a cup of coffee.

“We like the thought of a finely hand-crafted quality drink, so paying attention to details as far as the milk, the roast level and all the little details that go into a well-brewed cup of coffee or a nicely balanced latte,” said Jon.

Jon became a coffee lover nearly eight years ago and has been hooked on learning how to brew perfect cups of coffee ever since.

The Backs started planning their business in 2019 and even purchased a few coffee machines. However, like many others, the pandemic put a damper on their plans. But, their dreams didn’t die. In 2022, the Backs purchased a utility trailer to convert into their coffee truck. It took the pair two months to gut and renovate the trailer. Shortly after, they passed the inspection and licensings needed and opened right away.

By the middle of 2023, the Backs began searching for a brick and mortar building to house the growing coffee shop. When the Bean & Bistro in Northwood closed, and the building became available, the Backs jumped on the opportunity, knowing there would be minimal work necessary to be ready to open.

“We found this place, which checked all our boxes,” said Jon. “We were able to park our trailer in the back, then we have the cute, historic downtown, and it was also central to a lot of our catered events.”

Carpenter Coffee Co. is open Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Follow the shop on Facebook.

“We want to give you something more than just a cup of coffee,” said Jon. “We want to give you an experience and let you know that you’re valued, and we appreciate you coming in here.”

By Kaylee Schuermann, Winn-Worth Betco Marketing Director