How a Small-Town Vision Grew Into Southwest Iowa's Favorite Coffee Destination

When Carrie Petersen first opened CoffeeGirl in December 2014, she started with a simple idea inspired by a tiny coffee shop she visited during a weekend getaway with her family. "If she can do a coffee shop with a small kitchen, why can't I?" Petersen recalled thinking. Six weeks later, she had transformed her existing bath and body products retail space in Elk Horn into her first coffee shop location.

What began as a leap of faith has evolved into one of Southwest Iowa's most beloved coffee destinations, with locations in downtown Atlantic, downtown Harlan, and Myrtue Medical Center, earning recognition as the best coffee shop in Southwest Iowa and the People's Choice for Best Coffee by the Atlantic News Telegraph.

From Mobile Beginnings to Community Fixtures

Petersen's journey to becoming a regional coffee destination wasn't immediate. After outgrowing her initial Elk Horn location within months, she began exploring ways to expand into larger markets. Her solution? A converted 1983 Apollo RV that she purchased for $600, transforming it into a mobile coffee shop that would help establish the CoffeeGirl name in communities like Harlan and Atlantic.

The mobile strategy proved successful, leading to CoffeeGirl's first Harlan location in February 2018, situated within a local salon. As the business grew, so did its presence, with CoffeeGirl eventually purchasing and renovating its current location on Harlan's town square in 2021, creating a warm, inviting space that perfectly embodies Petersen's vision for the business.

"My goal is always to provide a space that allows people to feel like they're sitting in their living room with their friends," Petersen explains, "with good music playing in the background, a warm atmosphere, and good drinks and food."

More Than Just Coffee

While exceptional coffee is at the heart of CoffeeGirl's offerings, the shop delights in serving something special for everyone who walks through their doors. The diverse menu features refreshing flavored lemonades, natural plant-based energy drinks, and fresh-made smoothies. Hungry visitors can enjoy light breakfast options, hearty sandwiches, wraps, and seasonal favorites like homemade soups in winter and crisp salads in summer.

The Harlan location features a dedicated meeting space that seats up to ten people, available for free during business hours with purchase, and a recently renovated children's playroom in the basement. The shop also showcases products from local makers, creating a space that truly serves as a community hub.

Growing Through Community

With a team of 12-15 employees across their locations, CoffeeGirl's impact extends beyond serving great beverages. The business has become a launching pad for career growth, exemplified by stories like that of Haley, who started with CoffeeGirl at age 20 after moving in with her uncle with just $50 to her name. Today, she manages scheduling and operations across all locations, has purchased her own home, and recently welcomed a baby.

"A lot of our menu has arrived because of community input and requests," Petersen shares, highlighting how customer feedback has shaped the business. This community-focused approach has helped CoffeeGirl maintain its position as a local favorite, even as the business continues to evolve and grow.

Looking ahead, Petersen is developing a new mobile cart for special events like graduations, weddings, and baby showers, bringing CoffeeGirl's beloved beverages directly to community celebrations.

Visit CoffeeGirl in downtown Harlan (612 Market St, 712-579-1430) Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM, Fri 7AM-3PM, Sat 8AM-12PM, or downtown Atlantic (422 Chestnut St, 712-250-1539). Order ahead and explore their menu at https://coffeegirliowa.square.site. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for daily specials and updates. For private event bookings or to inquire about their mobile services, reach out through their social media channels.