New café opens in King

WAUPACA – A new café has moved into King, taking over the previous location of Comma Café and is now serving up coffee, gifts and dirty sodas.
Although the café is new to the area, the owners are not, Rick Walkush and Holly Deboer, previously owned Barnwood Farms – Flowers & Keepsake Co.
Walkush and Deboer first opened Barnwood Farms in 2021, which is a farm where you can pick your own flowers.
Walkush said he bought the 27-acre parcel to use as hunting land, but part of the property he could not use which they decided to plant flowers.
The farm on E290 Johnson Road in Waupaca, is not only a pick-your-own flower farm it also hosts many photographers for pictures of families, engagements, senior photos and weddings.

From there they opened Barnwood Farms – Flowers & Keepsake Co., on County Road QQ in King in May of 2023.
Deboer said originally they wanted it as a location to sell their flower arrangements, but the shop grew to include gift items.
Then when the café came open a few doors down, at N2729 County Road QQ, they decided to try their hand at a new business venture.
“I saw a need for a coffee shop in this area,” Deboer said. “I walk my dog on this stretch and I remember thinking one day there are no coffee shops in this area anymore, not that Waupaca is a big place, but you have to go into town.”
They moved into the new location on Dec. 1 and opened up right before Christmas.
“We’re excited to be more in the heart of King, we feel like this area is more the hub,” Deboer said.
The café features Colectivo Coffee out of Milwaukee as well as lattes and classic café-style drinks.
Their dirty sodas have also been quite popular. They are classic sodas that are doctored up with flavored syrups and creams with six different choices.
Walkush and Deboer each have three kids from a previous marriage; each flavor of the dirty sodas was created with one of their kids in mind and named after a song.
One of the dirty sodas is called, “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” and uses Sprite, cherry, marshmallow cream and cream.
Deboer said they are also hoping to explore cold-pressed juices as well as bringing in Lotus Plant energy drinks.
There are no plans to add food, outside of a few bakery items for sale.
There will also be a few gift items and flower arrangements that for sale.
Deboer and Walkush said they are excited for summer and opening up the patio in back.
Barnwood Farms – Blooms & Brews is open Sundays 8 a.m. to noon, then 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except Wednesdays when they are closed.
More information can be found at their website www.barnwoodfarmswaupaca.com or at their Facebook page at Barnwood Farms.