The new coffee bar in Tangleberries opens officially on Friday, April 18, for a two-day grand opening celebration. Customers will have an opportunity to sample some of the shop's sweets and have a look at the collection of new and unique inventory offered by owner Robin Schmidt.

The shop, located next door to Tangleberries Gifts on the Square, is somewhat reminiscent of an old fashioned confectionery - with a modern twist: The fare includes flavored coffees, Chai tea, fruit juices and Smoothies.

The front counter is lined with baskets of fresh baked bagels, muffin tops, cinnamon rolls, and the star of the shop: Thick slabs of fresh fudge, in a variety of colors and flavors and made right on the premises.

"We've had a lot of fun experimenting with different flavors and coming up with some new ideas of our own," said Schmidt.

At last count there were 20 different flavors including their most recent creation, Coal Miners Fudge, a combination of dark chocolate with crushed Oreos and named in honor of the mining heritage in Appanoose County.

Schmidt started her business in 1999, selling silk floral arrangements in a section of Bradley Hall. She added a few gift items, then some home decorating items that eventually filled several rooms. Choosing inventory that appealed to her own eclectic taste, the business grew and eventually Schmidt opened her own shop on the east side of the Square.

"I like contemporary blended with older things," she said, adding that she concentrates a lot on color and ambiance when choosing inventory. "I try to create a shop with a unique atmosphere that is appealing to everyone.”

Tangleberries is now located on the south side of the Square. The coffee bar expansion created four new jobs in the community, bringing the total number of the shop's employees to eight. Her husband, Jon, owner of Schmidt Funeral Home, is also involved in the shop, helping with everything from wiring the lights to serving up fudge. They have three children, Blair, Avery and Graydon.

Schmidt got the idea for the coffee shop because many of her gift shop customers who were from out of town often asked if there was a coffee shop in town.

"I decided to open one myself and add the smoothies, fudge and baked goods," she said. Plans for the coming months include adding sandwiches, soups and simple box lunches to the menu.

Currently there are 33 flavors of gourmet coffees, along with blended, steamed and iced specialties. Several are sugar free.

For those who enjoy the more simple brews, two house coffees are always available. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.