Celebrating 5 Years

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: the only thing you can actually count on is change (see photo below of our kids 😳). Sometimes the good kind. Sometimes the “well, that wasn’t on the bingo card” kind.

This week we’re celebrating five years since we officially purchased Crossroads Coffeehouse from Mary Devitt. 

Five whole years. 

On January 1st, 2021 we were coming in hot on the tail-end of the pandemic, armed with a truly delusional amount of energy and optimism, and stepping into a space that already had a rock-solid foundation built by Mary over nearly 14 years. No pressure or anything.

In these five years, we’ve all seen a lot of change. Some of it intentional and expansive. Some of it… well, less welcome. But all of it navigated. All of it something we’re grateful for now, even when it didn’t feel that way in the moment.

We’ve watched baristas, managers, customers, and friends come in, stay for a season or two, and move on to what’s next. We’ve said our share of final goodbyes to beloved regulars, team family members, and community members who left a mark on this place and on us. We’ve also celebrated a whole lot of life right here: weddings, graduations, baby showers, retirements, book signings, art shows, live music, holidays, and plenty of “we made it through the month and that counts” moments.

Through all the ups and downs (hello floods) the constant has been the support of our Cross Plains area and Driftless communities. The people who show up. The staff who pour their hearts (and lattes) into this place. The visitors who wander in from near and far and somehow make Crossroads feel like home within five minutes.

We are endlessly proud of what this staff has weathered and overcome these past five years. Do we get it right every single time? Absolutely not. Our goal is always great food, great drinks, a warm atmosphere, and friendly faces but sometimes things are imperfect. Drinks get remade. Days get weird. Humans human.

And still, you show up. You support us. You extend grace. You keep choosing this place.

That’s not something we take lightly. Ever.

Thank you for being part of our story, whether you’ve been here since the beginning in 2007 or just found us recently. Here’s to five years down, a lot of coffee served, and whatever comes next.

With gratitude (and caffeine),

The Ripps and The Crossroads Crew