Wedge to Offer Capanna Coffee After Capanna Closes Ped Mall Location

The scene kept repeating itself Friday afternoon.

As employees worked to disassemble the Capanna space from its longtime location next to the Iowa City Library currently shared by The Wedge, prospective coffee or gelato consumers would saunter up to the sign announcing it was closed after 2:00 p.m., appear momentarily confused while reading, frown slightly, then wheel around and walk out of the building.

"It's a business in transition," said Mike McCain, one of the owners of Capanna.

Yeah, a transition for everybody.

There still will be coffee served by Capanna at this location as the remaining space will be taken over by the Wedge, but Thursday marked the last day gelatto will be served from there, and the Capanna title and display cases will be gone from the downtown location as well.

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McCain said that despite other news reports that this was due to the local business being unable to meet its financial obligations, Capanna's transition has actually been in the works for some time now.

"We decided to pull out of here to focus of other aspects of our business," McCain said.

McCain said that transition will include continuing to offer the Capanna brand coffee from the New Pioneer Co-Op (which also offers Capanna Gelato), the First Avenue Hy-Vee, and, as noted, the Downtown Wedge location that will also retain the same staff that worked at the coffee spot. There also the possibility other local restaurants could offer the gelato, but those talks are still in the works, McCain said.

Another venture could include an online presence, where Capanna fans can buy the products online.

Those missing the Capanna experience can still find it at the North Liberty location near the new McDonald's at 710 Ste.6 Pacha Parkway. This will also be the base of operations locally where the coffee is roasted, McCain said. Capanna will also maintain its location in Ames.

McCain said if Capanna had to leave, the fact that the space could be taken over by Steve Harding of the Wedge and the same experience maintained was a best case scenario-- even if the Capanna leaving will be bittersweet for everyone.

"The good thing is that the people who love to come here can keep coming here to get what they enjoy," McCain said.

Except for the gelato.

As for that, Steve Harding of the Wedge could have some ideas for some dessert options to replace the gelato, but that will have to wait until another day. He declined a request for an interview with a tired smile, noting that managing the transition from Capanna to a larger Downtown Wedge on Friday was taxing for him as well.

I'll be checking back in a few weeks for more coverage of what the Wedge will be offering at the location.