Openings & Closings

After closure of decades-old Kansas City coffee shop, new spot opens

Westport Coffeehouse is now Chambre Coffee.
Westport Coffeehouse is now Chambre Coffee. jthompson@kcstar.com

Westport Coffeehouse spent nearly 30 years at its 4010 Pennsylvania Ave. space.

Now it’s Chambre Coffee’s turn.

The new concept opened in the longtime coffee space Saturday, serving espresso drinks, matcha, tiramisu cheesecake and more.

Paola Campos, owner of Chambre, told The Star while standing inside her shop Monday that she’s always dreamed of opening a coffee shop.

“I really like to make coffee and try to make new drinks, all the pastries,” she said.

After a nearly 30-year mainstay closed, a new operator has taken over the Westport space.
After a nearly 30-year mainstay closed, a new operator has taken over the Westport space. Jenna Thompson jthompson@kcstar.com

The 24-year-old from Puebla, Mexico, has lived in the Kansas City area for five years. For the past two years, Campos has been operating a coffee truck around the metro, serving espresso drinks mostly at events.

Campos said her parents are proud of her and have been a major help in making her dream of a permanent location come to fruition.

Chambre Coffee is decorated with earth tones and minimalist accents.
Chambre Coffee is decorated with earth tones and minimalist accents. Jenna Thompson jthompson@kcstar.com

Since taking over the space more than a month ago, she’s traded the previous shop’s blue trim and eclectic design for earth tones and minimalist accents.

Campos’ fresh-baked cookies are a specialty. Flavors include double chocolate chip, Oreo, chocolate chip walnut and cinnamon roll. Her horchata lattes and strawberry matcha drinks are also a favorite of many.

Chambre Coffee’s specialty drinks are strawberry matcha and horchata lattes.
Chambre Coffee’s specialty drinks are strawberry matcha and horchata lattes.

Westport Coffeehouse opened in 1996 and had been a mainstay up until its closure in April.

Owners Pam and Tom Ptacek were looking to retire for several years leading up to the coffeehouse’s last day. The couple owns the building where the coffee shop operates.

On the lower level: The Westport Coffeehouse Theater and Green Room Burgers & Beer.

Both businesses are open, but the Ptaceks previously told The Star they’re looking for someone to take over the other two spaces.

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Jenna Thompson
The Kansas City Star
Jenna Thompson covers retail news for The Kansas City Star. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, she previously reported for the Lincoln Journal Star and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied journalism and English.
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