In January 2021, Shelly Graham and her daughter, Kiersten, brought a taste of Texas to Overland Park by opening the first Summer Moon Coffee location outside the Lone Star State. Their venture has been a hit, and the duo recently celebrated the grand opening of their second store in Lee's Summit, located across from Summit Fair Shopping Center.
The journey for Shelly and Kiersten began with their shared passion for coffee. Regulars at various coffee shops, they cherished the experience of sipping quality coffee in welcoming environments. Kiersten's pivotal moment occurred during a job interview in Dallas where she had her first encounter with Summer Moon Coffee. Enamored by the smooth flavor of oak-roasted coffee and the signature sweet cream, Moon Milk, Kiersten was inspired, declaring, "We need to open a Summer Moon Coffee in KC.”
Summer Moon's unique selling point lies in its oak-roasted coffee beans, a process exclusive to the brand. The beans are meticulously roasted in Austin, Texas over Texas oak, resulting in an exceptionally smooth flavor. Moon Milk, the proprietary sweet cream, is crafted from a secret blend of seven ingredients, adding a delightful sweetness to their beverages. What makes Moon Milk truly magical is its ability to complement the oak-roasted undertones of the coffee rather than overpowering them. It's a delicate dance of flavors that adds a unique touch to every cup.
For the Grahams, their daily routine often begins with a cup of coffee, and thanks to Summer Moon's decaf espresso, they can enjoy their favorite beverage multiple times a day. The option for decaf or half-caff lattes further caters to varying preferences.
While Summer Moon offers traditional lattes, their Moon Milk lattes are the stars of the menu. The popular Half-Moon latte, featuring a balanced ratio of Moon Milk, skim milk, and espresso, tops the charts. Moon Milk is versatile and can be paired with alternative milks such as almond, oat and coconut. The menu also boasts an array of unique offerings, including the lavender-infused Blue Moon Latte, the indulgent Espresso Milkshake, and the refreshing frozen blend of lemonade and Moon Milk called the Moon Drop.
To complement their drinks, Summer Moon offers a variety of pastries and breakfast tacos from Scratch Bakery. Gluten-free pastry options are also available, ensuring there's something for everyone. The new Lee's Summit location is quickly becoming a local favorite, offering more than just exceptional coffee. The cozy ambiance featuring an inviting fireplace is enhanced by free Wi-Fi, online ordering for convenience, a drive-thru for those on the go, and pet-friendly outdoor seating for those looking to enjoy their brew with a furry friend by their side.
Shelly and Kiersten are thrilled to bring Summer Moon's unique coffee experience to the community and look forward to becoming a cherished part of Lee's Summit's vibrant coffee culture. As the aroma of oak-roasted coffee fills the air, Summer Moon Coffee continues to brew success beyond Texas, one cup at a time.
Summer Moon in Overland Park is located at 9127 Metcalf Avenue and in Lee’s Summit at 699 Northwest Blue Parkway. For more information, visit summermooncoffee.com.
What is Moon Milk? Under a summer moon, they created their legendary sweet cream, perfected to complement the oak-roasted undertones of the coffee, rather than overtaking them. That’s the magic of Moon Milk.
