Gravel City Roasters Offers Good Coffee and Great Vibes in Emporia

Residents and visitors traveling through Emporia, Kansas, can refuel at Gravel City Roasters at 715 Commercial Street. Joe Corn has owned the coffee shop since 2023, but has enjoyed making delicious drinks and treats there since 2010.

“As a business owner, this town has been really good to me,” says Corn. “Emporia on its worst day can never make me hate it.”

Corn has had a unique journey to Emporia, and he and his wife Clara are deeply passionate about the community. His love for the region and his history with Gravel City Roasters have made him an ideal owner for the shop. Not only do customers enjoy high-quality products, but employees have a great place to work. 

Joe and Clara Returned to Emporia After Grad School

Joe and Clara first encountered the region in 2010, when Clara was attending graduate school at Emporia State University. They originally planned to live in Emporia for only three years, but after briefly returning home to Oklahoma, they decided to return. Joe was a barista at Barnes & Noble, so it was a natural fit to start work at Gravel City Roasters under the former owners, Angie and Nic Baker.  

In the 10 years since he started working at Gravel City Roasters, Corn advanced to manager and eventually bought the store. It moved to a new location downtown, where its space tripled in size.

“I had originally joked about buying the place, but Angie took me seriously,” says Corn. “I’m still in awe at how lucky I am to have stumbled into this opportunity.”

Corn Knows His Beans

Customers have responded positively to the store's new vibe and location. Its products sell well, and customers frequently come in to buy fresh-roasted beans along with their coffee and tea. Corn explains that you can tell how old a coffee bean is by its shine. Older beans will be glossier than newly roasted ones because the oils have seeped out. Most of the beans sold at Gravel City Roasters were roasted less than a week ago.

Corn also frequently changes the offerings at Gravel City Roasters to keep customers coming back. There’s always something new to try.

“We don’t like to grow stagnant and serve the same things,” says Corn. “We even change the configurations in the store for new layouts and to make it feel as comfortable as possible.”  

Gravel City Roasters Reflects Emporia’s Business Community

Corn is thankful for the support of Emporia residents and strives to keep earning their business each year. He appreciates how people continue to visit the coffee shop and embrace new initiatives and ideas.

“If you have a solid idea and you have drive, this town will support you,” he says. “Emporia wants stuff and will cheer on business owners with good ideas.”

Corn’s love and appreciation for Emporia are evident from speaking with him, but his actions also reflect his passion for the community. Gravel City Roasters frequently donates to local charities and gives to regional causes, helping to build up its neighbors.  

“Working at Gravel City Roasters has made me see the good in people,” he says. “And it is my responsibility to give back to the community that supports me.”

Corn also has a low turnover rate in his store. Most employees leave when they graduate from college or move away from town.

“I pride myself on the environment that I created for my employees, which is one I would want for myself,” he says. 

Joe and Clara Have Built Their Lives in Emporia

What started as a brief stint to attend graduate school turned into two people beginning their lives in a community they love. Joe and Clara have plans for the future in Emporia and appreciate the memories and events they have lived through here.

“I came from a pessimistic world, and Gravel City Roasters gave me hope that I can do something with my life,” says Corn. “I know it’s just a coffee shop, but it helped me create an identity that makes me proud. It’s helped me like the person that I am.”

Meet Other Emporia Business Owners

Emporia is growing because passionate entrepreneurs are eager to bring their ideas to life. Learn more about what it’s like living here and meet the people making a difference. From disc golf to high-end chocolate and jewelry manufacturing, Emporia has a diverse economy with creative businesses.  

Small businesses looking to expand or move to Lyon County can work closely with the Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) to connect with resources and local government teams. Let the RDA be your guide to reach your organizational goals.