Owner Kimberly Becker said the return to the Zarah name is meant to honor local history while giving the space a renewed role. She described the shop’s goal as creating “coffee and connections,” including a welcoming environment for conversations and community meetups such as baby showers, rehearsal dinners, prayer meetings, meetings, and other celebrations. The Zarah Coffee Shop is located in the same historic property that previously housed the original Zarah Hotel and Coffee Shop, and it was formerly known as Perks.
In addition to being a place to gather, Becker said the business plans to support downtown momentum through local jobs and more reasons for visitors to come to Great Bend. She also expects the coffee shop to become a natural meeting spot as the Zarah Loft Apartments open. Becker applied to IGNITE to improve business infrastructure and efficiency, and she cited mentorship and coaching from the program as helping her better manage the financial and operational side of the business. (Great Bend Tribune)