The Coffee Barn: It’s a family endeavor

HANNIBAL, Mo. — As Kassondra and Jen pass blended coffees, lotus drinks and other treats to a line of customers at the Coffee Barn’s drive-thru window, it would seem they were in the business a long time.

The sister-in-laws decided to open a coffee shop last year, and it is a family endeavor in every way. The business partners are two brothers with their wives–Shelby and Kassondra Terrill, and Shad and Jen Terrill.

They opened about seven weeks ago at 3701 Stardust. Jen said learning how to start a new business has been a good experience.

“Every day has just been better than the day before,” Jen said.

The idea started with Kassondra who worked in the corporate world for some time. As people grabbed coffee on-the-go in the bigger cities Kassondra decided Hannibal needed a more convenient coffee option. Kassondra is also a real estate agent at eXp Realty.  

“I felt like there was a huge need for it. If somebody else didn’t do it then I needed to do it, and it sounded like fun,” Kassondra said. 

She wanted a central location and she wanted a partner, so she approached her sister-in-law Jen who was a teacher at Veterans Elementary. 

“We talked about it and it was kind of one of those things where I decided–yeah, I could do that. Although I never thought I would not teach,” Jen said.

Both women agree running a coffee shop was an unexpected turn, but one they are passionate about. They are also working to become experts in their field.

In January, Kassondra and Jen went to Texas to learn about the art of making coffee from professionals.

“That was really fun. We got to learn from a coffee connoisseur who really knows the ins-and-outs,” Jen said.

One of the many things they learned in coffee school was that it’s okay to splurge on the espresso machine. Flown in from Switzerland, the espresso machine can make two drinks at one time.

“We wanted something that is foolproof and that people can train on easily. So we bit the bullet and spent the money,” she said. “And actually, our espresso machine is amazing.”

Jen said the machine has been instrumental in training their 18 part-time employees and one full-time employee. 

Their full time employee is Kasey Moss, Kassondra’s twin sister. Kasey brings her homemade cinnamon rolls with her. The Coffee Barn also serves muffins, ice cream, smoothies, and more. They also plan to soon add a breakfast and lunch sandwich. 

They also offer their upstairs space for groups or events. Anyone who is interested can get in touch with the Coffee Barn.

The Coffee Barn will hold a grand opening on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a petting zoo, bounce house and more. Drinks will be tab sponsored by area businesses until the tab runs out. Food trucks by the Rebel Pig and Manny’s Mexican Grill will also be on-site.

Sponsors for Saturday tabs include:

• Refreshment Services Pepsi
• HNB Bank
• Peters Heating and Air
• Tom Boland Ford
• Anderson Auto Body
• Fohey Dental

To learn more about the Coffee Barn follow them on Facebook.