Hyde Park coffee space reopens with family vibe fitting historic neighborhood’s roots, owners say

A newly opened neighborhood coffee shop in Hyde Park hopes to bring a fresh, family-friendly vibe to Kansas City’s bustling coffee scene, its owners said.

Employees at 1888 Coffee welcome curious potential customers to the coffee shop ahead of its official opening; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“We created 1888 Coffee to be something different — not just another café, but a welcoming hub for our community,” said Christine Kehoe, co-owner and operator of 1888 Coffee with her husband Robert Kehoe. “Every detail, from our menu to our design, reflects our deep love for Hyde Park and our belief that a coffee shop can be fun, bold, and still feel like home.”

The space opened Saturday at 3504 Gillham Road, a spot formerly occupied by Mother Earth Coffee along the bustling thoroughfare through one of the city’s most historic and vibrant communities.

One the menu: specialty lattes, fruit-forward matcha creations, signature energy fizzes, smoothies, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items designed for every age and appetite. 1888 Coffee highlights a seasonal rotation of cold foam drinks, as well as caffeine-free options for kids and adults.

The family’s coffee spot is designed to linger, they said, emphasizing their roots in the neighborhood as residents with children in the nearby schools.

“1888 Coffee is more than just a place to grab a cup of joe,” the Kehoe’s said in a press release. “It’s a thoughtfully curated space where families, professionals, students, and creatives can gather, connect, and recharge.”

The café features fast Wi-Fi, cozy indoor seating, and a welcoming outdoor patio, they said, noting the space’s potential for meetings, remote work, and casual conversation.