APPLETON - A coffee shop known around the region for its magical drinks is now open inside The Draw 2.0.
Coffee Wizardz, a Allouez-based coffee shop and roaster, opened a second location on the ground floor of The Draw 2.0 at 800 S. Lawe St., last month.
The new location was under development since last spring, when the owners of Coffee Wizardz, Chris Christen and Sam Brown, were approached by The Draw owners John and Lindy Adams.
The Draw is an event and coworking space which rents to local businesses. Currently, it houses a book store, tattoo artists, a cake decorator and more.
Brown and Christen opened their first Coffee Wizardz location in December 2021 after selling coffee at local farmers markets and small businesses. Brown said they didn't anticipate opening a second location so soon, but The Draw felt like a great fit.
Sign up for the Buzz newsletter Click here to get all the business openings and closings news right in your inbox
"People are really psyched that we're here," Brown said. "I think people want to be in the space so they're very excited to be able to hang out."
What sets Coffee Wizardz apart from other coffee shops in northeast Wisconsin is the magical twist Brown and Christen incorporate into their drinks. Inspired by magical potions and fantasy novels, many of the drinks on the Coffee Wizardz menu are unique and complex.
Currently on the seasonal menu is the Deathly Mallows, a smores-inspired drink that is made with smoked marshmallow syrup, espresso, milk, Bittercube Bolivar bitters & smoked salt. Christen said the marshmallow syrup is made by smoking marshmallows over hard wood for 24 hours to give the syrup a campfire taste.
The grand opening for the new location is set for Dec. 2. As part of opening, a limited-edition Coffee Wizardz mug is available for preorder online. During the grand opening, customers can claim their mugs which will come with a free specialty drink.
"That's going to be a drink you don't want to miss," Christen said. "It's not something that ever been on our menu before and may not be again."
In addition to having magical drinks, the décor at both shops are fantasy inspired. While the Allouez shop has dark colors and is meant to feel like a Wizards lair, Christen said the new shop is much lighter with green and blue décor and lots of plants.
"I just want to thank everyone who's come out already," Christen said. "There's just been such a great and positive response and for two people trying to make this small business happen, that means the world to us."