NEW HAVEN, Ind. (WANE) – A coffee shop in downtown Fort Wayne has opened a second location in New Haven.

Kanela Blended Drinks, Coffee, and Bites celebrated the expansion with a ribbon cutting Tuesday morning. The new coffee shop, which is drive-thru only, has been operating under a “soft open” for the past few weeks.

WANE 15 talked with Flora Barron, who owns Kanela with her husband.

Barron said a second location has been in the works for more than two years, before the first shop even opened. The original location on Harrison Street has been in Fort Wayne since November 2020.

Kanela in New Haven is on SR 930, where Rally’s used to be. Barron said the building had been vacant for six years, and there were many repairs to take care of before finally opening.

During the ribbon-cutting, Barron explained the spot in New Haven was chosen after asking Kanela’s followers on social media where the next location should be. Of the responses, 70% suggested New Haven, she said.

“People have been very supportive,” Barron said, adding it’s a convenient spot for a coffee shop with lots of traffic coming through the area.

“To Kanela!” Mayor Steve McMichael toasted the new coffee shop during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mayor of New Haven Steve McMichael also spoke at the ribbon-cutting.

“I know it’s been a labor of love for you guys,” McMichael said. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to the community.”

Barron said before both coffee shops opened, she had the idea for a trailer that would offer healthy options for the community, like smoothies and juices. Her husband wanted to add coffee to the menu, and the pair went to a barista academy to kickstart their business that would grow to have an expansive menu offering all those options and more.

“We have done a lot of research, we try out recipes, the staff also helps out with ideas, and then we just blend them together,” Barron said.

Kanela in New Haven is on SR 930.

The owner said there are no current plans to expand further, saying they want to focus on their grandkids while balancing both coffee shops along with the “Lil’ Kanela” trailer that can often be found at farmers markets and events.

“We plan on doing some outdoor seating in the summer, that’s something we have in mind, for people to come and hang out and have a nice cup of coffee or a frappe and enjoy the outdoor weather,” Barron said.

The drive-thru in New Haven is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.