Shopping: Two businesses pair up to feed the soul

Painted on the façade of 715 Commercial Street are the words Coffee, Art, Gifts. The space inside contains not one but two cherished local businesses — TROX GALLERY AND GIFTS and GRAVEL CITY ROASTERS. These two businesses used to operate separately in different locations. But through a series of serendipitous events, the two have come together in a shared space. The result is an eclectic sanctuary with a friendly and welcoming vibe, where you can find all you desire.

It was the realization of a dream for the two owners and close friends, Kaila Mock, owner and operator of Trox Gallery and Gifts, and Angie Baker, owner and operator of Gravel City Roasters.

“In the very beginning, when I first had the tiny seed of the idea for Trox, I talked to Angie about it, and I was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we could have an art gallery and coffee shop together?’ But at the time, it was just a huge pipe dream,” said Mock.

It took time, but the stars aligned in the fall of 2021, and the two businesses opened together. The pairing has been a roaring success since day one.

Together, they’ve created a space that is a feast for the senses. The moment you cross the threshold, you encounter art. Paintings adorn the walls. As you make your way through, you pass everything from ceramics, jewelry and hand-blown glass pieces to art supplies, books, candles, puzzles and more. Trox carries items from 100 local artists. It is the perfect place to purchase a thoughtful and unique gift — for others and yourself.

Venture farther in, and you encounter gentle sunlight shining down from the skylight onto lush green plants and plentiful seating. Everywhere is art for the eyes to devour while you sink into a comfy chair or browse Trox’s wares, sipping on your coffee, tea or one of the many other drinks on offer.

If you have an appetite, Gravel City has just the thing, no matter what you are craving. Snack on Renegade Cupcakes, Forkluvsspoon cheesecakes, Chad the Breadman’s ham and Swiss, pizza or cinnamon rolls and sometimes out-of-theordinary specials like lemon lavender rolls. Plus, freshly made Gravel City salads.

The atmosphere is inviting and relaxing, in no small part because of the people. “I think the friendliness of our staff is what makes our business successful,” said Baker.

In addition to providing a marketplace for art in Emporia, Mock has been fundamental in creating EMPORIA FIRST FRIDAY, one of the most successful events drawing people to explore downtown. The monthly art walk is the creation of Mock and her partner, Joel Smith. A bonus of the 715 Commercial Street location is that Emporia First Friday is now headquartered upstairs.

Together, Mock and Baker have created the perfect place to escape the ordinary and indulge the senses. Filled with hidden gems you won’t find elsewhere, spanning the gamut from visual to culinary artistry, you don’t want to miss experiencing it for yourself.