Creating Connections Through Coffee
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Founded in 2013 by Jeremy (aka Jake) Knodel and his business partner and brother-in-law, Station Coffee Co. was born from a singular vision: creating connections. Despite lacking traditional business training, Knodel, who had spent 10 years serving as a local pastor, faced a steep learning curve and considerable uncertainty. Yet, through perseverance and a deep passion, Station has flourished, becoming a beloved fixture in the downtown business and cultural scene.
A Passion for Building Relationships
Station is more than just a café; it’s a place for people to connect. Whether it’s offering a warm and welcoming space for conversation or introducing newcomers to the local business community, Knodel's passion for relationship-building shines through.
“A great café is a place for people to connect; that’s what I love seeing happen. One of my favorite things is watching regulars chat and form connections. I also love helping newcomers make connections,” Jake shares.
An Appreciation for History
Knodel's decision to open the café downtown was influenced by his deep appreciation for the history and ambiance of the City Centre. The building’s aesthetic, a mix of original brick, industrial fittings, and modern touches, reflects his admiration for downtown’s rich history. Restoring the original façade was a top priority for the co-owners, who utilized a downtown beautification grant to complete the project. Beyond the historical charm, Knodel believes downtown Medicine Hat truly embodies the city’s spirit.
“The buildings have more appeal, more character, and a connection to our history. It’s something you can’t find anywhere else in town. Downtown [also] gives a good impression of what Medicine Hat is like. It’s small, entrepreneurial, personable, and connected. Medicine Hat is about people supporting other people, and that’s the feeling you get from downtown. That’s what we try to do as a business.”
Support from the City
Over the past decade, Station has benefited from a variety of grants, incentives, and supportive initiatives offered by the City. These funds have been vital for the café’s success, facilitating multiple expansions of their kitchen and seating areas. This growth has allowed Station Coffee Co. to broaden its menu and increase revenues. Like many downtown businesses, Station has thrived thanks to the City’s downtown revitalization efforts, including the City Centre Vibrancy Incentive.
Jake notes, “The vibrancy grants made a big difference in what we could do over the last few years. We used them to expand into the garage behind the original building, offering a view of the riverfront and creating a great rear patio space.”
Embracing Downtown's Transformation
Knodel also appreciates the broader changes in the culture and business environment downtown as he firmly believes that the investments made to revitalize the downtown core has transformed the area.
“The development aspect of downtown has been a huge part of our success. Kudos to the city for their efforts to improve downtown, making it a great place to run a business and achieve success. There’s been a significant change in the feel of the space. The City has fostered a sense of community, which has helped businesses. As people feel more comfortable going downtown, they discover different spots. Now people walkaround downtown after normal business hours, enjoying outdoor patios at bars and restaurants, listening to live music, and spending more time here,” Jake observes.
Through dedication and community support, Station Coffee Co. continues to be a place where connections are made, and the vibrant spirit of Medicine Hat’s downtown thrives. Before parting, Knodel reinforced his stance on the importance of downtown for the city as a whole; he said:
“When I think about the impact of having a great downtown, I think about a city’s overall business culture. Having a thriving downtown is a key indicator of having a great business culture as a city. That’s what we have here and the City has been a big part of that.”
You can visit Station Coffee Co. downtown at 644 2 St SE. Open 7 days a week, they have an expansive offering of hot and cold drinks, baked good and snacks. You can also find them online at stationcoffeeco.ca or on their social media accounts including Instagram and Facebook.
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