Inspire Coffeehouse

• What is the mission of your company or project?

Inspire Coffeehouse will be a place where community, connection, and inspiration come together. Owned by Katrina Buechner and located in Manitowoc, WI, we aim to offer more than just great coffee—we will create meaningful experiences. Guests will be able to enjoy their favorite brew in a cozy café, listen to live music that uplifts the soul, and discover unique treasures in our future retail space. Inspire Coffeehouse will be a welcoming space for everyone.

Our focus will be on providing a warm, inclusive environment, particularly for families aged 20-45, as well as the disabled and recovery communities. What will make us stand out is our unique blend of offerings: a coffeehouse, music venue, and gathering space all wrapped into one. Our mission is to build connections, foster a sense of belonging, and offer a space where love and community thrive. At Inspire Coffeehouse, every visit will be a chance to fill your heart, nourish your spirit, and embrace the warmth of our welcoming atmosphere.

• Describe the problem you are solving.

In Manitowoc, there is an unmet need for a clean, family-friendly music and entertainment venue. Currently, entertainment options are largely limited to bars or churches, leaving little choice for those seeking uplifting, alcohol-free environments. Our venture aims to fill this gap by providing a welcoming space for diverse entertainment options, including Christian speakers, groups, and singers, while aligning with the community's values and preferences.

• What is the market size/opportunity?

Our business is focused on creating a unique experience for the people of Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the surrounding communities. While our coffee services primarily target customers in Manitowoc, our music venue is designed to attract people from up to an hour away, reaching nearby counties. Our versatile meeting rooms are intended to serve Manitowoc County. Although we plan to develop a retail section in the future, our current focus is on providing great coffee, food, and entertainment.

Our main customers are individuals between 25 and 45, many with families. We value inclusivity, making sure our space is accessible to the disabled community. These customers will enjoy our future personalized retail offerings, along with live music events and delicious coffee and food, all in one convenient place. Many of them share strong social values, often leaning toward Christianity, and they seek a family-friendly environment where they can connect with others.

Our secondary customers include young adults (18-24), other families, and members of the recovery and disabled communities. Although not our primary focus, they are drawn to the social atmosphere of our coffee shop and the entertainment at our music venue. Our future retail section will also appeal to those looking for unique, personalized items.

We also see potential in teens interested in coffee, food, and entertainment. Whether visiting daily or weekly, our coffee and food offerings provide a comfortable space for conversations. The music venue draws people in when shows match their interests, and our future retail shop will cater to those seeking special, one-of-a-kind items, particularly for gifts or special occasions.

Our potential market for the coffee and food shop in Manitowoc (ages 18-65) is around 16,000 people, with 40% affiliated with a Christian denomination. For our music venue, we estimate a market of 250,000 people in the surrounding counties, with about 100,000 likely interested in attending. We aim to capture 8-10% of the local coffee/food market and 2-3% of the music venue market.

Our value lies in offering a safe space for recovery meetings, diverse entertainment, and a unique mix of food, coffee, music, and, eventually, retail. Our customers appreciate the warm, welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly entertainment, and the alcohol-free environment where the recovery community can gather. With two dry music venues and plans for retail in the future, we provide a special experience with a modern yet local touch that you won’t find anywhere else.

• What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem? 

Inspire Coffeehouse offers a unique and inviting experience, setting itself apart from other coffee shops and entertainment venues. Our menu features a wide variety of coffee and coffee drinks, along with light food options such as sandwiches, soups, and small desserts. While catering is part of our future plans, our current focus is on providing great food and drink options within our cozy space.

For entertainment, we have a small stage inside the coffeehouse for intimate live music performances, and a larger outdoor stage designed for bands, speakers, and community events. Although our retail section is still in development, it will eventually complement the overall experience, offering boutique items. We also provide versatile meeting rooms for training sessions and gatherings, ensuring our space caters to a wide range of community needs.

• Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?

Inspire Coffeehouse LLC is actively seeking funding to support the launch of our coffeehouse and music venue, and to bring our vision of community and connection to life. The funds raised will be primarily used to purchase essential equipment such as high-quality espresso machines, coffee brewers, refrigeration units, and kitchen appliances necessary to deliver the exceptional food and drink experience we aim to provide. In addition to equipment, a portion of the funds will be allocated toward the build-out of the space, ensuring it is both functional and welcoming, from comfortable seating areas to the construction of our performance stages.

We are also dedicated to thorough staff training, ensuring our team is fully equipped to deliver outstanding customer service, maintain food safety standards, and embody the warm, inclusive culture we strive to create.

Any remaining funds will go toward a scholarship program supporting a local recovery sober living home, extending our mission to uplift and support the most vulnerable members of our community. By contributing to Inspire Coffeehouse, you are not only helping build a space for meaningful connections and entertainment but also supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.

• Who is on your team?

Katrina and Barry Buechner, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, are the passionate founders of Inspire Coffeehouse. With over 17 years of marriage, they bring both a personal and professional partnership that is built on trust, collaboration, and shared values. 

Katrina (Owner / Founder):

Her strengths lie in her creative vision and extensive experience in restaurant management, having spent over 15 years leading teams and creating welcoming environments for guests. With a Bachelor's Degree in Music and a heart for service, she has been recognized as one of Manitowoc County’s Future 15 in 2023 for her leadership and dedication to the community. Her vision for Inspire Coffeehouse is rooted in her love for people, hospitality, and creating a space where everyone feels welcomed.

Barry (Co-Owner / Co-Founder):

His complements Katrina’s strengths with his background in business and music. With over 20 years of experience as a musician and 5 years in restaurant management, Barry brings an edge and operational insight to Inspire Coffeehouse. His experience as the Worship and Tech Director at Connection Church has honed his skills in leadership and building community through music. 

Together, Katrina’s operational expertise and creative vision and Barry’s business and leadership insights form a powerful partnership dedicated to creating a place that fosters connection, inclusivity, and inspiration for all who visit.

Their combined skills, along with the strength of their marriage, make them a perfect team to bring Inspire Coffeehouse to life—a place where community, music, and great coffee come together to uplift and connect people from all walks of life.