Yellowknife’s Kam Lake neighborhood has a new destination for coffee and baked goods: Kamp Coffee. Resident Nadine Ellsworth has opened the doors to her dream coffee shop, transforming a former spa into a welcoming community space. The opening marks the culmination of a long-held personal passion and aims to fill a local need for a dedicated spot to relax and enjoy refreshments.
Contents
Key takeaways:
- Kamp Coffee is now open at 20 Hudson Avenue in Yellowknife’s Kam Lake.
- Owner Nadine Ellsworth realized a decades-long dream by opening the shop.
- The menu features coffee, family-recipe baked goods, and simple meal items.
- The shop aims to become a community hub in an area lacking similar spots.
A Dream Becomes Reality in Yellowknife
For Nadine Ellsworth, opening Kamp Coffee is the fulfillment of a 20-year aspiration. Her passion for baking and providing hospitality stems from her upbringing; her parents owned a lodge where they hosted international guests and her mother baked traditional Newfoundland dishes. This background instilled in her a deep love for feeding people and creating welcoming environments.
Supported by her husband, Ian Ellsworth, Nadine embarked on the journey to bring Kamp Coffee to life. The couple jointly purchased the building that now houses the cafe.
Transforming a Kam Lake Location
The chosen location at 20 Hudson Avenue in the Kam Lake area provided the flexibility Nadine and Ian sought. Previously operating as a spa, the main floor has been completely renovated to create the cozy atmosphere of a coffee shop. This transformation is significant for the Kam Lake community, which Nadine notes lacked a dedicated place for residents to unwind with a coffee.
Adjacent to the cafe, Nadine and Ian have also co-founded Trinity Tactical Consulting Ltd, a company specializing in law enforcement training. This unique pairing adds another dimension to the property’s use.
Kamp Coffee interior showing seating area and counter
What to Expect on the Menu
Kamp Coffee’s menu is a blend of beloved family recipes and cafe staples. Customers can find classic treats like cinnamon buns and scones alongside Nadine’s personal favorite, Newfoundland raisin tea biscuits. The offerings extend beyond baked goods to include breakfast items and simple lunch options, providing a range of choices throughout the day.
The cafe is currently open Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 4 pm. While closed on Sundays for now, this schedule may be adjusted based on customer demand.
Variety of coffee and baked goods displayed at Kamp Coffee
Early Buzz and Future Hopes
Since opening its doors this week, Kamp Coffee has already seen a strong turnout. On Thursday, the shop was bustling with customers eager to explore the new space and sample the coffee and baked items. Nadine anticipates the cafe will become even busier as word spreads and more residents discover the new spot.
Looking ahead, Nadine envisions Kamp Coffee becoming a true community hub, especially during Yellowknife’s stunning fall season. She hopes to potentially open in the evenings to allow guests to enjoy coffee while gathering around a fire pit and watching the aurora borealis. Her welcoming message to everyone is simple: “Come on in. Everybody’s welcome.”
Customers enjoying the atmosphere inside the new Yellowknife coffee shop
The opening of Kamp Coffee represents more than just a new business; it’s the realization of a personal dream bringing a much-needed gathering place to the Kam Lake area. Its success will likely depend on continuing to deliver on its promise of quality treats and a welcoming atmosphere.
