MCP Directory

By Randy Rice | Special to McDonald County Reconnection Lawkew Coffee in Jane, Missouri, is one of McDonald County's newest small businesses and has already built a loyal fan base. Opened in May 2022, Lawkew is a locally owned coffee house offering quality drinks and fresh house-made baked goods. They also have a small food menu with breakfast items and sandwiches made from their house bread plus they special order pies and baked goods. "Our shelves hold fresh bags of coffee that can be purchased as well as products made other from local residents," began Kristeen Wakeland, who owns Lawkew with her husband Lance. "We are looking to fill our shelves with more local artisan style merchandise as well as local jams and honey." The Lawkew menu offers traditional coffeehouse fare along with their own unique creations. You'll find your basic brewed coffee and espressos but also signature drinks like Ozarks Little Sugar and Spicy Cowgirl. Lance suggested adding Lotus Tea to the menu after trying it at another coffeehouse. Kristeen says her favorite is a CarVoila with a hint of peppermint. The shop also offers gluten-free options. And Puffles, an egg concoction that's a big hit with customers for breakfast. But what really sets Lawkew apart from other coffeehouses are the Wakelands themselves. "At LawKew Coffee we want our guests to feel at home and relaxed," Kristeen explained. "We have a very cozy 'living room' like environment that we offer to the community to enjoy while they visit or study. There is also a bar area that is available for customers to sit and converse with the baristas, who are always up for a good conversation. A smaller room with a table is often filled with groups of people or used by a family for a more private time together. And most important, our customers can always expect to be treated kindly and with respect." The Wakeland's journey to opening Lawkew Coffee is as unique as the establishment itself. "My background is in music and church ministry," Kristeen said. "I studied bible and music performance in my undergrad program and earned a Masters degree in vocal performance. I was a recitalist and opera singer for a short while, but my passion has always been to make music for God. I studied worship at the doctorate level for a bit as well. I have been in ministry for 28 years in various forms and taught musical lessons for a majority of that time." Lance and Kristeen have also run a school of music together and he is very passionate about musical worship, as well. "It was through our musical passion that we decided to open a coffeehouse," Kristeen continued. "LawKew Coffee has a stage area that we, as well as other local musicians, use as an outlet to share. We will be using the stage more and more for small concerts and worship gatherings after hours as we become more secure that the business side of LawKew is running stable and successful." Two of their adult children, Celah and Azlen as well as Azlen's husband, Dylan, also help run LawKew Coffee. "We are overjoyed to be able to see them daily and work alongside them," Kristeen said. "Azlen and Dylan are also co-owners. Strong families make strong communities. And we feel that LawKew Coffee is a place that can foster that kind of strength in our community." Lawkew clientele comes primarily from the surrounding communities of McDonald County as well as Bella Vista and other Northwest Arkansas communities. "We have many local friends that stop in daily for a visit and coffee," Kristeen said. "We are located very close to a busy Walmart, so if a person shops there, there's a good chance they've stopped in LawKew Coffee for a visit. We also have customers that stop by as they're traveling through the area." What the Wakeland clan loves most about Lawkew is meeting and interacting with the people who walk thought their doors. "We get to have amazing conversations with Lawkew Coffee, Kristeen Wakeland (center) with daughter azlen and son-in-law Dylan. with every cup brewing up smiles • RV Sites • Tent Camping • Camping Cabins • General Store • Vacation Rental Houses • Modern Bathhouse • Swimming • Canoes • Kayaks • Tubes • Rafts Fishing • Firewood • Dump Station • Weekend Security • 24-hour on-site Management P.O. Box 473 • Hwy 59 North • Noel, MO 64854 www.shadybeach.com Located at Shady Beach on Elk River View photos at: www.shadybeach.com 800-745-6481 • 417-475-6483 14 2023

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