Two Plaza coffee shops are getting their third owner: A popular Crossroads company

Messenger Coffee Co. is taking over two Country Club Plaza coffee shops.

The Kansas City-based company will temporarily close the two Kaldi’s Coffee locations — at 4771 Jefferson St. and 318 W. 47th St. — by April 1. The shops will be remodeled and then reopen as Messenger Coffee in late April. The shops will feature fresh baked breads and pastries from Ibis Bakery.

“We believe it should be local coffee being poured in an iconic shopping and dining experience,” said Dan Trott, CEO of Messenger parent-company of FairWave Holdings. “The Plaza is unique in that it serves both the local clientele as well as visitors from outside Kansas City.”

Messenger started roasting coffee in late 2013. It opened its flagship Crossroads building in October 2017 with sister company Ibis Bakery.

In 2014, the St. Louis-based Kaldi’s had taken over the six locally owned Latteland Espresso & Tea locations, remodeling and rebranding the shops. But it has since closed four of the locations.

Officials with Kaldi’s couldn’t be reached Thursday morning for comment.

In a statement, the Plaza’s general manager, Kasey Vena, said: “We have long-supported local businesses and we are thrilled to add Messenger Coffee Co. to the Plaza.”

This story was originally published March 11, 2021 at 12:08 PM.