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It’s always referred to as a cliche — taking time to smell the roses or, in this case, coffee. For local bean brew expert Mistie Mullen, it’s never too late to do so.

Black Bird Coffeehouse will reopen its doors Thursday, July 3, at 6 a.m. sharp at its new location, 9 South Frederick Avenue, Oelwein. Work since the early spring has paid off for Mistie as she lives the experience through a fresh lens like she did when Black Bird opened in Sept. 30, 2023.

“I hope that we’re a success, obviously, but I hope that people take time to smell the coffee, as cliche as that sounds,� Mistie said Wednesday, worn out from preparing the space for the morning crowd on Thursday. “It’s true though, life is just short. Come in and hang out with your loved ones, put the phones down.�

She also joked that if you can’t put the phone down, there are outlets for plugs everywhere in the renovated space thanks to husband and business partner, Markus.

Black Bird Coffeehouse will look a little different this time around. Purple Thistle Tattoo and Piercing will be located in the back wing of the coffeehouse and is separated by glass doors and highlighted with an antique stained glass window looking into the bright coffeehouse at the front. The facade is adorned with logos of both businesses, highlighting the shared atmosphere the couple has crafted together.

Separate entities but crafted in their love together and of their respective businesses, it wasn’t an easy journey towards the opening day.

Tragedy struck the couple with the loss of their daughter at 20 weeks and the subsequent battle they endured when an infection nearly took Mistie’s life. Mistie said she cherishes every moment, every little design inspired by her personality in the space because she realized how quickly life can be taken away.

“I’m not going to lie, that was probably the hardest things I’ve ever gone through in my life,� she said, nearing tears.

Antibiotic after antibiotic, the outstanding voice of a traveling nurse, a team of specialists at University of Iowa Health Care Center in Iowa City and more than likely Mistie’s determinedness and/or stubbornness to outlive this tragedy got her to today.

“That was very, very scary and eye opening. It made me realize how short life is,� Mistie said. “Seriously, don’t take life too seriously, just live. Live life, travel, eat the cake. It doesn’t matter, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow... Huge shout out to Iowa City Hospital, they were amazing. And the nurses in Waterloo were amazing.�

Continuing on from one of the hardest things that life could throw at someone, the future is bright with an air of hopefulness and excitement of new changes. That being changes in the space itself, the menu, sizing options and offerings.

“I’m a people pleaser and it’s very hard for me to try to take stuff off the menu that I know like only three people order, but it’s not worth it for me to keep it on there,� Mistie said. “I wanted to simplify the menu but I also wanted to bring new things in.�

The new menu brings back the famous paninis, coffees, but excludes energy options that some often craved. Size options are now only 20oz items. She is most excited for the introduction of “croffles.�

“I wanted something for breakfast because I want this space to be a place people come in, sit down, have a cup of coffee and have some food,� Mistie said. “Eventually, I found croffles on TikTok. I saw it and they’re super popular in New York. They take a croissant dough and put it in a waffle maker and then you can top it sweet, savory.�

Topped with bananas, whipped cream, strawberries, chocolate— you name it, Mistie has it. If you don’t care for one, to-go breakfast sandwiches with bagels and croissant bread may be an easier option.

Paninis will be back and better with the addition of chicken bacon ranch. A new cold cooler stocked with sodas and water will further the goal of creating a sit-down spot for locals.

Customers of the Mullens will walk into the space as if they’ve stepped into a downtown Des Moines coffee shop. Brickwork was sealed to make the red shine out bright, floors were polished, Mistie’s take-one-leave-one bookcase was back up and the fireplace area that welcomed guests at the old location stands prominently in the middle of the shop as a reminder to relax.

Mistie hopes that Oelwein continues to thrive, not just for her business but others in the making.

“This is my first time, aside from helping Markus with his tattoo studio, that I’ve ever owned a business. I’ve always LOVED coffee and cozy coffee shops, but owning one this last year has definitely been a huge learning-as-I-go experience,� Mistie said. “I’ve worked out a lot of kinks, perfected recipes and of course still learning constantly, but proud at how far it’s come.�

A grand opening will be held at a later date once Purple Thistle wraps up construction, complete with food and other specials. More information and daily announcements can be found on Facebook at Black Bird Coffeehouse. The shop will be open Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.