KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna Coffee and Tea has new owners, and the name will be familiar to many in the community.
Chris Berkers, of Schmidt and Berkers Family Dentistry, and Sandy Berkers took over operation of the beloved coffee shop, located at 127 W Wisconsin Ave., on Feb. 1 of this year.
Chris says the couple will both be involved with the coffee shop but that will not change his roles at the dental practice.
“I am still a full-time dentist. I am not going to be behind the counter as a barista,” Chris joked. “Well maybe if I ever retire from dentistry, but that is not anytime in the future.”
Chris and Sandy say they weren’t necessarily looking for a coffee business, but since they were longtime regulars, at some point they learned that owner Mamie Nickel was thinking of selling.
Chris says the couple discussed it and realized it was something that they wanted to do.
“We wanted to make sure it remained an important part of the community,” Chris said. “We love Kaukauna and we love Kaukauna Coffee and Tea, so it is a natural fit for us.”
“It is very important to know that one of the biggest reasons we even considered this is the employees and especially Amy, who is now the manager,” Chris said. “The commitment of Amy and the employees has been critical to continuing the great legacy of Kaukauna Coffee and Tea.”
The couple has deep connections to Kaukauna and the coffee shop.
Chris, a Kaukauna native, graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1989. He left for 13 years for college, dental school and five years in the U.S. Navy as a dentist. Sandy is from southern Illinois near St. Louis.
Chris and Sandy say they have been dedicated regular customers of Kaukauna Coffee and Tea since they returned to town after Chris’ time in the Navy. That was 2002.
Since then, Kaukauna Coffee and Tea has been the place they go with family and friends.
Their kids grew up going there, and Chris’ 40th birthday party was at the coffee shop. Both of their daughters and Chris’ brother were employees over the years.
Chris and Sandy’s youngest daughter played Connect 4 with the late Frankie De Witt, a beloved part of the Kaukauna Coffee and Tea history and the coffee shop’s unofficial ambassador.
They take their grandchildren there now and it is a place they look forward to visiting.
The couple says Kaukauna can expect a continued commitment to great coffee and food.
And importantly, they will be keeping the same employees and maintaining the same welcoming and friendly place.
“We will continue to support the community that we love.”
