Local coffee shop rebrands

Stephanie Shomin, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
·2 min read

Mar. 9—TRAVERSE CITY — Water Bearer Coffee emerged in February in the former Rough Pony space in the Warehouse District.

Owner Azure Klug, of Traverse City, was a barista for six years, working at Brew, Good Harbor and most recently, Rough Pony. She said she enjoyed her work, but "wanted to do more" — especially now that her two boys are in school.

Klug said Rough Pony owner Becky Tranchell asked if she wanted to take over the space in October 2023.

Klug said Tranchell asked to keep the business name, so she rebranded. She chose to use her zodiac sign, which she said she shares with a few coworkers.

"The whole rebrand gave me a good chance to be creative and do some of my own things," Klug said. "The water bearer is the Aquarius. Aquarius is known for being a rebellious spirit."

Though the name changed, Klug said customers can still find their usual suppliers on the menu, including Bubbie's Bagels and Stockist Coffee Company.

"We have a full-service espresso bar, fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies," she said.

However, Klug said they did make some changes. Previously, the eatery was more vegan and vegetarian. While those options are still on the menu, Klug said they have added bacon and turkey. The Big Jim Wrap, for example, includes cheddar, everything mayonnaise, tater tots, egg and bacon.

Jeffrey Brown operates Stockist Coffee Company, a wholesaler that supplies several businesses in the area. He said he roasts beans at night and sometimes works behind the bar at Water Bearer Coffee.

"We provide a handful of different things," Brown said. "We can try out different blends. We focus a lot on seasonal blends and single-origin coffees — from all over the world."

In addition to lattes and espresso, Brown said a popular order is their Mexico Finca Vista Hermosa coffee.

He added that all the syrups are house made. Flavors include vanilla, cardamom and maple.

"It's all real ingredients," Brown said.

Klug added that they hope to be open seven days and possibly with later hours in the summer. For now, she said she hopes people of all ages can use their space. Community members are welcome to send their ideas.

"I want it to be somewhere you can bring your whole family," she said. "It can be a work space. I want to be more active in the community."

Water Bearer Coffee is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday at 144 Hall St., Suite 100 in Traverse City. Call 231-252-2442 for takeout.