New owners of the Shiplap Shop & Coffee House – now Kravins Coffee Cove – Sarah Ann Hill and Neal Weatherhead have a fresh vision for the space, aiming to develop its current resources further while retaining the cafe’s originality and intimate atmosphere. Although they only officially took over in November 2025, they have made quick progress in assembling a strong crew and making plans for future events the Yelm cafe will soon be able to host.
“We literally signed paperwork the day before they were supposed to be closed. And since we were so down to the wire, a lot of the employees already had job opportunities, so we were kind of left with a skeleton crew, which has its pros and cons,” explains Sarah. With a background in business and years as a frequent Shiplap Coffee customer, Sarah describes how the cafe was a point of refuge for her family to be creative and free, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “You feel home, you feel wanted, you feel loved, and when you feel more centered and at peace, the real you is able to shine.”
Creating Over Kravins Coffee: A New Chapter for Popular Yelm Cafe
Sarah and Neal’s decision to take over the business was driven by a desire to create a welcoming, collaborative environment in the community with access to a variety of resources that people can use for their individual needs: whether related to school, work or simple enjoyment. They particularly look forward to greeting regulars and developing lasting relationships, something Yelm’s tight-knit atmosphere naturally encourages.
For Sarah, tradition and heritage have played a central role in her approach to the space. When asked what she’d like customers to take away from their visits, she says: “Home and place. Home as far as the feelings you get when you open the door, but also how it’s a place of legacy that will affect later generations. Getting to meet the kids in the morning and letting them pick the exact donut they like best because we are helping people make memories.”
Building a New Future for Kravins Coffee in Yelm While Preserving Identity
While changes lie ahead for Kravins Coffee, such as expansion and new partnerships, the core of the cafe will remain the same. The building was originally designed as an auto repair shop, and Sarah and Neal would like to retain that aspect of the architecture, though they have plans to reshape the space to better serve different groups in the community. For example, many are homeschooled in Yelm, which leaves parents with minimal spaces to hold sessions if they are seeking a change from staying at home. Remote workers sometimes need a change in scenery, which the cafe would like to assist with by building individual rooms that have desks, printers and other office materials. The vision for Yelm’s Kravins Coffee is to maintain the shop’s traditional purpose but also broaden how the community can use it.
Once they’ve eventually gained enough stability and traction, other goals include hosting music nights, being available for large-party rentals and becoming a pillar of support in the area. “We want to bring events here that are family friendly, so we want to do more music, sip-and-reads,” shares Sarah. “We want to bring authors into the space for book signings and to do a farmer’s market. We want the community.”
Kravins Coffee Prioritizes Local Partnerships
Another major focus of the Yelm coffee shop is providing other businesses and creators the foundation for growth and exposure. Inside the shop, customers will find a curated gift section housing a wide range of items, from 3D-printed lights designed by a close friend and an organic pet treat line to a local pickle brand just getting off the ground and a mother-daughter duo creating personalized clothing. Even the owners have their own pursuits to contribute. “Neal is a military veteran, but also has a background in business. He has a wedding venue and a woodworking business, so the cafe is another way to show off some custom woodworking and bring some personality to the space.”
By offering shelf-space to small creators in Yelm, Kravins Coffee promises to function as a space that truly reflects the community, as their focus isn’t to just sell products, but give the individuals behind them visibility and appreciation. As Sarah and Neal continue to work through the transition to being owners of the cafe, their approach remains clear and steady. They are eager to shape a spot that greets those who enter with warmth and authenticity so there’s always someplace where people feel like they belong.
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Kravins Coffee Cove
112 E Yelm Ave, Yelm
360.955.2344
