Pieper Cafe has been serving the Foster-Powell neighborhood for over 8 years. Owner/Operator Kelsey Denogeon describes how she stumbled upon her dream job running this bustling corner cafe as a "happy accident". Located just five blocks from her home, she visited what was then a brand new cafe in early 2012 and learned that the former owner had gone to school with her best friend. They got to talking, and it was disclosed that running the shop wasn't working out for him. The owner was looking for a buyer. Kelsey was at a crossroads in her career after spending many years working for a local coffee company. She was intrigued at the opportunity to take a chance, and to see where it might take her. She also saw the need for a welcoming space where her neighbors could meet and hang out.
The cafe name is a tribute to her grandmother, Kay Pieper, who had recently passed away. Kelsey considered her one of her best friends, and wanted to keep her memory alive through the cafe. As a symbol of their close relationship, the logo portrays a chickadee sitting on a sugar pine cone branch.
The cafe is operated based on the principles of fostering community, serving good coffee and food, and creating a safe and comfortable space for the neighborhood to come together. Kelsey and her team of loyal and dedicated staff reciprocate the love, care, and support shown to them by their community. Two faces that customers will see on a regular basis are Kelsey's most treasured staff, Rachel who has worked there since opening day, and Lauren who just recently celebrated her 8th anniversary at Pieper.
Junior's joined their vendor roster as a guest roaster in 2017, and then came on as their main roaster the following year. We are honored to work with cafe owners like Kelsey who love what they do, and are invested in their neighborhood and community.