By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Rarely do you see two competitors come together to support each other, but that was recently the case for Wire & Steam Coffee Co. on the east side of Warsaw and the B & B Courthouse Market in downtown Warsaw, which recently closed.
When the courthouse coffee shop was first opening earlier this year, they ran into a problem with an espresso machine, and then Josh LaRue, owner of Wire & Steam, jumped in to help, providing a backup machine.
“That was such a good example of community to me where you could view it as we’re competition, but instead, he didn’t even hesitate,” said Sara McConnell earlier this week.
One of the cool aspects of the courthouse coffee shop while it was open was a designated kids’ area full of toys, books and a small replica coffee bar.
Having the kids area was something Sara McConnell had overseen so that parents could bring their kids along while they enjoyed a coffee drink.
“Any time I came in and saw kids playing and saw parents getting to sit, talk to friends, catch up, do some work and their kids were entertained, that was a good day,” McConnell said. “It was nice to see.”
But that business, (operated primarily by McConnell’s husband, Travis McConnell, and Jason Brown), closed a few weeks ago after sales did not meet expectations.
Josh LaRue and his wife, Renee, considered expanding with a second coffee shop in the former home of Courthouse Coffee, but pulled back from the idea.
A lingering sense of community, though, carried over, and the toys have found a new home. All the elements of the kids area are now at Wire & Steam, creating a kids corner in the back of the business.
Wire & Steam commemorated the gesture with a plaque that now hangs in the children’s section.
Wire & Steam has gone through several ownership changes over some 20 years and Sara McConnell still remembers years ago when it was her choice to go for a coffee drink.
“This is like our full circle moment, I guess, being able to bring our kids area over so it continues to be used,” Sara McConnell said.
Renee LaRue welcomed the shared connection.
“As a mom of 5, I just really appreciate this idea,” Renee said. “I appreciate a safe place to go, collect my thoughts … and know there’s a safe environment for my kids.”
