Tangleberries

Coffee shops are a must in American cities and towns, and often, the more distinctive the better. But unfortunately the town of Centerville, Iowa, lost one of their beloved coffee shops. After about ten years of business Tangleberries: Eats, Treats and Suites closed its doors in late August.

Previous owner Robin Schmidt first opened Tangleberries in 2007 as a stand-alone gift shop, Schmidt quickly expanded the business to include a coffee shop. Rathbun Lake’s addition of Honey Creek Resort in 2008 got Schmidt thinking about the increase of tourism in the area.

“And I was thinking, what is it that people like to do on vacation?” Schmidt said. “One of the things we like to do is we usually buy fudge and things like that, and look for unique shops.” The resort, located 20 miles from Centerville, provided the perfect reason for Tangleberries’ expansion. Not too long after the coffee shop addition, Tangleberries decided to renovate the space above the shop, turning it into rental apartments. These apartments are fully-furnished living spaces available for a short stay and long-term rentals. According to Tangleberries’ website, the daily rate can change depending on the length of stay. Pricing also varies for special events and holidays.

Known for “Eats, Treats, and Suites,” Schmidt successfully tangled three businesses together — a coffee and gift shop on the ground floor and rental suites above.

However, patrons must say goodbye to Tangleberries...for now. After serving the community for a decade, Schmidt decided to sell the shop. When her husband got a job offer in Omaha, they made the tough call to sell and move.

No one has bought the property yet.

However, if they can sell to someone in town willing to keep Tangleberries going, the shop will not have to close for good.

“We are really hoping someone will buy it and keep Tangleberries open,” Schmidt said. “It would mean a lot to see it survive.”

Tangleberries was certainly a unique coffee shop. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the shop prompted tourists to visit. The friendly nature of the employees and sense of community kept the regulars coming back. Right inside the door was a group of small tables — some round, some square — with dark wooden chairs. Comfortable leather and cloth patterned armchairs sit just beyond the tables and next to the counter. Paintings, motivational quotes and other decorations hung on bright green walls and a few knick knacks and clothing articles were set out for sale. At the counter was a large display of Tangleberries signature fudge.

As a hybrid of three businesses, it offered patrons a place to shop, enjoy a meal or a drink and stay for the night.

Known primarily for their fudge, Tangleberries offered a selection of about 20 different flavors. According to staff members, the standard chocolate fudge was one of their most popular flavors. Mint, Turtle and Cookies ‘N Cream were also customer favorites. In addition to their standard selection, patrons could order special seasonal flavors such as Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, Watermelon, Sherbert, Carrot Cake and Caramel Apple Pie.

“Fudgelicious” fudge and coffee were not the only items on the menu. Cold drinks, such as their 100 percent fruit smoothies, were good alternatives to hot coffee, especially in the summer. Staff members reported that patrons raved about the smoothies, the signature Tangleberries, a blend or “tangling” of many different fruits, being one of the best.

Schmidt said the afternoons can be just as busy as mornings. To give hungry afternoon shoppers a place to relax and grab lunch, soups, salads and sandwiches were added to the menu a few months after opening the coffee shop. Because the menu changed each day of the week, customers could come in multiple times a week and have a different selection each time.

Tangleberries’ closing announcement disappointed Centerville citizens. Schmidt said the last few weeks were bittersweet. As prices in the gift shop were reduced to sell the remaining gift items and home decor, the shop was busier than usual.

“A lot of people stopped in to say goodbye,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also said while there were some tears, most customers expressed their gratitude and shared good memories of the shop.

Though the shop is currently closed, the patrons are left with positive memories as well as connections they made there. For Schmidt, the best thing about Tangleberries was her customers.

“We’ve met so many wonderful people through Tangleberries,” Schmidt said. “I can’t say enough about what they mean to me.”

She said she’ll remember the good friends she made, patrons, regulars and those just passing through, and the people who left impressions on her.

Though she’ll miss Tangleberries and the Centerville community, Schmidt said she’s very excited to devote more time to her grandchildren.

By Ellen Thibodeau