A Johnson County coffee chain is expanding its footprint with a new location planned for central Iowa.
Midnight Coffee will open its fifth location in Clive on Aug. 5, following the purchase of St. Kilda Café and Bakery at 12695 University Ave., Suite 140.
The new shop marks the company’s first expansion into the Des Moines area. Midnight Coffee currently operates locations in Iowa City, Coralville, Tiffin and North Liberty.
Owner Alex Nelson bought the coffee chain, formerly known as Coffee Emporium, a year ago and rebranded as Midnight Coffee in March. Since the acquisition in 2024, he has steadily made changes to create cohesion among the different locations. The Clive site is a strong fit for the brand, he told the CBJ in an email.
“It is very similar to the markets we are already in,” Mr. Nelson wrote, adding that expanding to the Des Moines area has been a long-term goal.
The Clive location will serve Midnight Coffee’s signature drinks, but its food menu will be adjusted to reflect a more café-style offering rather than that of a traditional coffee shop.
“We will have a full kitchen at this location so we will offer table service and a much larger food menu,” Mr. Nelson wrote.
“We’re excited to continue growing our local brand and can’t wait to share our coffee with the Des Moines community,” he continued. “While many coffee concepts are shifting toward an ultra-drive-through model, our focus is on creating beautiful, welcoming spaces where everyone feels at home – whether it’s for a business meeting, a first date, a study session, or just coffee and conversation with friends. As we grow, we remain committed to being community-focused and supporting other local brands and vendors along the way.”
A new location isn’t the only change for Midnight Coffee — the company has also recently begun offering its coffee beans for purchase online, Mr. Nelson said.
In addition to Midnight Coffee, Mr. Nelson and his wife, Jordan Nelson, own event venue The Midnight Gem in Swisher and Little Gems Baby Boutique in North Liberty.
