New coffee cart quickly becoming an Overland Park farmers market favorite. Here’s why
Rachel Larson spends her Saturdays behind a coffee stand in downtown Overland Park, swirling latte foam designs into paper coffee cups.
Her business — named “Fika Coffee KC” after the Swedish word for “coffee break” — aims to give customers a reprieve wherever its cart rolls. Fika (pronounced fee-kuh) is new to the Overland Park Farmers’ Market, though it’s already a popular stop.
“I love it when someone has my product and they say it’s the best coffee they’ve had,” said Larson, who lives in Overland Park.
On market days, the line of shoppers laden with produce stretches down Marty Street. Larson’s employees stand behind her cart and call out orders of iced coffee, chai and more.
Many order Fika’s specialty, a cardamom latte, a common flavor in Swedish pastries. Her vanilla bean latte is equally loved.
After Larson makes a latte with milk from Hildebrand Dairy Farm in Junction City, she sweetens it with one of her homemade syrups, created with ingredients from vendors at the farmers market.
Larson said she tries to keep everything as local as she can. Her beans are from Grandview-based roaster Notion Coffee.
The navy blue stand has been busier than even she anticipated. She’s had to hire more employees to keep pace on Saturdays, and she now sells bottled lattes for faster service, in addition to the traditional coffee drinks.
“Every week I pivot, and we just keep going. But it’s been really cool to have so much support,” Larson said.
The 27-year-old has worked in the hospitality industry since she was 14, fueled by her love of connecting with people. But opening a coffee shop has been her lifelong dream.
In October, she finally launched her business. When brainstorming names for her cart, built by her woodworking brother, she thought back to the fikas she’d taken with her Swedish father and grandparents.
“We would always laugh because it didn’t matter how much we had for breakfast, how much we had for lunch, or what we were having for dinner. We always stopped and had a coffee break and spent time together enjoying a cup of coffee and treats,” she said.
Larson aims to bring that warmth to her customers.
Since the cart’s launch, she’s brought her smooth espresso drinks to weddings, church functions and corporate events. She hopes to open a storefront within the next two years.
“I honestly just love how a simple cup of coffee can make someone’s day,” she said
Fika will be at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market every Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This story was originally published May 20, 2023 at 5:30 AM.