From Backyard Beginnings to a Bold New Chapter
Back in 2020, Michael and Karen Thomas started small — roasting coffee in a modest shed tucked behind their home in Riverside. It wasn’t fancy, but it was full of heart. Since then, Poppets Coffee & Tea has steadily grown, earning a loyal following at Dayton’s 2nd Street Market and expanding their roasting operations to Linden Avenue. Now, they’re about to open the doors to their biggest leap yet — a full-scale café and retail space in Kettering.
Opening Day Details
Circle the date: October 13. That’s when Poppets will welcome customers into its new 5,000-square-foot home at 1006 E. Dorothy Lane — the former site of Creative Flags & Poles and The Ohio Wine Company. It’s a major step up from their previously considered Oregon District location, which was limited in space and flexibility.
Why They Chose Kettering
The original plan was a smaller setup in Dayton’s Oregon District. But temporary leases and tight zoning restrictions made the space feel more like a stopgap than a foundation. One day, while out delivering coffee, Michael spotted a ‘for lease’ sign in Kettering. The space was bigger, more stable, and full of potential. That same day, they made the decision to pivot.
What to Expect Inside
Coffee and tea lovers are in for a treat. The Kettering location will stock over 50 flavored coffees, up to 40 specialty single-origin roasts, and around 200 varieties of tea. That’s nearly triple what they currently offer at the market stall. Everything is sourced directly from small farms or trusted specialty importers. And once operations settle, Michael hopes to organize trips to coffee and tea origins for curious customers.
A No-Fuss Café Experience
The café menu is being kept intentionally simple and approachable. Think rich espresso drinks, steeped tea by the cup or pot, sparkling tea, and lemonades. For food, they’re teaming up with local favorites like Lucy’s Pastry Palace and The scRUMptious Desserts, both supplying baked goods until Poppets’ own kitchen is ready.
Upstairs Space with a Twist
The upstairs level, once used as bridal changing rooms, is being transformed into a cozy, multipurpose area. It’ll be open for co-working, study sessions, meetings, and casual hangouts. Events like board game nights, community dinners, and pop-up experiences are all in the works. The idea is to create a relaxed and creative spot where people feel like they belong.
More Than Just Coffee
Michael and Karen aren’t just opening another café. They’re building a place where people can slow down, connect, and feel part of something. The new space opens the door to bigger dreams, including future café locations, wholesale collaborations, and fresh in-house projects.
Currently, you can still catch them at 2nd Street Market: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9 or 11 a.m. They also supply local favorites like Dot’s Market, Blue Sky Coffee, and Blind Bob’s.
So What’s the Big Deal?
Poppets has always been more than beans and brews. It’s about care, craft, and community. From a shed in Riverside to a major retail presence in Kettering, this next chapter is about creating a space where you can sip, explore, work, unwind, or just stay a little longer.
Quick Recap
- Opening Day: October 13, 2025
- Where: 1006 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering, OH
- Offerings: 50+ flavored coffees, 30–40 single-origin blends, 200+ teas
- Extras: European-style drinks, pastries from local bakeries, upstairs community space
- Vision: A neighborhood gathering place built on warmth, flavor, and connection
Whether you’re a die-hard tea fan, a casual coffee drinker, or just someone looking for a good spot to land, Poppets is about to become your new go-to.
