Crows Coffee, a well-known Kansas City establishment, is making a new move by opening a location on Troost Avenue.
The expansion introduces an on-site coffee roasting facility and a wholesale bakery, positioning Crows Coffee as a major player in the local coffee scene.
Owner Zach Moores, who opened the first Crows Coffee near the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in 2014 has acquired two buildings totaling over 10,500 square feet.
“This is a big step for me. The space is huge, and there’s a lot of room to grow,” said Moores to KCUR
With the addition of an in-house roasting facility, patrons will have the opportunity to see the coffee-making process up close, offering an immersive experience beyond a typical cafe visit. Students in particular are expected to benefit from the expansion due to its proximity to UMKC.
“I love the idea of another coffee shop so close to campus,” said sophomore Noon Elmahdi. “I’m especially looking forward to the fresh pastries from their bakery. I hope that with the launch of the new streetcar, I’ll be able to make the journey.”
For some students, the expansion offers more than just convenience—it creates an experience.
“The idea of seeing the roasting process adds a new dimension to just grabbing a cup of coffee,” said sophomore Ajma Siddiqe. “It’s going to be a great spot to study and hang out.”
The expansion also has implications for current employees of Crows Coffee, providing potential career growth and development opportunities.
“With the process of roasting and having a bakery, it leaves room for present employees to learn and grow within the company,” said Hunter Roark, a barista at Crows Coffee-South Plaza. “With the location of the new building being in the Troost area, it does leave a grey area for the convenience of locations like South Plaza.”
Renovations are currently underway, with the southern building at 3314 Troost set to house both the café and production area.
With the growing popularity of independent coffee shops, students may find this location particularly appealing compared to on-campus options. The promise of freshly roasted coffee, in-house baked goods, and a space designed for both work and relaxation provides an experience beyond what is typically offered at a university café.
