Beans and Steams Coffee House Sold

Within view of Interstate 80 is a business with a simple but welcoming title. It is a business with at least two years in the making and a warm and inviting atmosphere from the drive-up to the table in the back of the room.

It has also been handed over to a new owner with a vision of continuing the coffee house atmosphere.

Kiersten Richards officially took over ownership of Beans and Steams Coffee House on Nov. 15. The location is known for delivering drinks from bottled water to the latest variety of coffee drinks, and wine and craft beer as well.

Richards is a 13-year resident of the Sidney area and like many heard about the possible sale of Beans and Steams Coffee House. Her interest grew the more she researched the opportunity, and Pat and Sherrill Keane's desire for the cafe's future.

“They were really focused on keeping it local,” Richards said.

“Our dream from the very beginning has been to help the community out with the creation of jobs, building a place to gather with family and friends and help bring back a once abandoned facility due to the Cabela’s/Bass Pro buyout back to life. 

However, it was also our intention from the beginning once Beans & Steams Coffee House was fully operational and doing well to look for and find a local person with the same passion for coffee and community to keep the dream alive.  Kiersten is the one!” co-founder of Beans and Steams Coffee House Pat Keane said.

Keane said in 2018 and 2019 the atmosphere in the Sidney community was stressful with the changes related to the Cabela's/Bass Pro relationship and what that might mean to the future of the community. They considered moving to a larger community but decided to stay and do what they can to support the community.

Richards enters the coffee business with a history in customer service. She worked at Cheyenne County Community Center, and at The Rock. Starting her career in coffee mixology, she has the support of the current staff.

“As far as I know, all the staff are staying,” she said.

Her immediate plans are to keep the Beans and Steams Coffee House business plan started by the Keanes; quality drinks and foods delivered with a smile. She is planning more event, and expanding craft beer and wine selections. Her goal is to maintain a manageable menu while possibly adding new items.

She wants to continue Beans and Steams Coffee House as a place to relax in the afternoon with a glass of wine as well. She also sees it as a place that can be rented for private parties.

She she has a lot to learn about being a barista. It is more than just a simple cup of coffee.

“The coffees are so good; precise measurement for everything,” she said.

When asked why she chose to purchase a coffee house, she gets to be around people all day, and most of the people who are seeking coffee are in a good mood.