September 1992: There's a chill in the air, and a short cappucino would be the perfect way to start the day. Are people ready to start drinking espresso in Kansas City? Sara Honan knew she was. After working in Chicago's coffeehouses while in college, Sara opened the doors and brought the coffeehouse scene to Kansas City.
Westport--everyone knew you could get a drink here, but coffee?
"I chose the location because it was on a busy street, and in the heart of Westport. I liked the view from our windows, and the feel of the place," says Sara. Windows rise from the floor to the ceiling, spanning the entire Café. Seating outside, on the wide sidewalks of Westport, makes the Broadway the perfect place to drink a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
The coffeehouse scene flourished for the next five years in Kansas City. People enjoyed their lattés in quiet contemplation. Then, in 1997, Seattle decided coffee consumers were educated enough for their version of espresso. The first chain store planned for the KC market would be located, where else, directly next door to The Broadway Café. Customers who had been drinking lattés for years switched to espresso, and got hyped up for a showdown.
"Our customers are so loyal," says Jon Cates, who became Sara's partner in 1998, "I don't think the folks in Seattle knew what they'd be up against when they decided to open up shop right next door. We have been busier than ever since they opened, but I don't want to give them any credit for that. People taste our coffee and immediately know the difference."
The Broadway Café has gone through many changes over the years. We bake all of our breakfast items and cakes daily, and when we started roasting coffee in the Café, we went non-smoking.
One thing that hasn't changed is that you can come in and be served a cup of coffee by Sara or Jon, anytime.
