T-R PHOTOS BY ROBERT MAHARRY -- Husband and wife duo Julian and Heather Wilson are the owners of the Conrad Coffee Cup at 116 N. Main St., located at the former home of Classic Cuts.

CONRAD — Where can you go to grab a beverage and treat in a sit-down establishment without having to leave town? That was the question on the minds of Heather and Julian Wilson when they decided to create the Conrad Coffee Cup, 116 N. Main Street, now officially open for business.

In July, Heather assumed duties as Conrad Chamber-Main Street’s new executive director, while her family got to work putting together the finishing touches on the coffee shop. They moved to Conrad 12 years ago, with the idea of starting their own business almost from day one. The dream has now become a reality.

“We always felt the need for a coffee shop or somewhere you could just sit down and gather,” Julian said.

They’ve had a series of soft openings, getting to know customers and seeing what items are the most popular. A small part-time staff includes their son Miles’ girlfriend Rose Collins, and others.

Conrad Coffee Cup employees Emma Averill, front, and Olivia Rolston, back, whip up some caffeinated confections at the new shop last week.

Their storefront is housed in a former hair salon that required some renovations to make it work for cooking and dining. The building itself was constructed in 1962.

“We’re just trying to give the place a mid-century vibe,” he said of the decor. “The layout and size was absolutely perfect, and I love the location. I’ve got a post office to my left and a library to my right and a grocery store across the street.”

The ideal spot, he says, for people out running errands or going to work, in need of a pick me up.

“Conrad’s a big enough town, and demographically we have a need for this business,” he said. “I’ve seen people drive to Marshalltown and Eldora for coffee. Why not bring the coffee to the people, instead of the people to the coffee.”

Menu items include a bevy of hot, iced and frozen drinks. Enjoy products ranging from smoothies to chai lattes to cappuccinos, hot chocolate, teas, espressos and more. They also sell real glass bottle Coca-Cola drinks made with real sugar, which Julian says makes him think of the good old days.

Throughout October, they will be selling scones and cinnamon rolls. When the grand opening takes place in mid-November, additional food items will be offered, such as breakfast sandwiches, soups and paninis. Signature beverages include the Comet Mocha (white chocolate with caramel hints) and the Black Dirt Mocha (which has a dark chocolate taste).

Julian said his career background couldn’t be any further from the food and beverage business.

“I’ve been working in the nuclear industry for 25 years, and still doing it, more on a consulting basis,” he said. “We do a lot of non-destructive inspections on boilers, vessels, steam generators, all over the Midwest. Right now, I’m on call, or as needed, so this is working out pretty good.”

After Oct. 9, set hours will be Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed Sundays, with hours subject to change.

Julian said they’re pleased to offer their space for special events such as Ladies’ Night Out and other celebrations.

“We’re just trying to put out quality. We’ve got the best products. We didn’t skimp on anything,” he said.

The shop may be reached at: 641-366-3580 and conradcoffeecup@gmail.com. For daily updates, visit Conrad Coffee Cup on Facebook.