Above: T.J. Rude and Aaron Yahi
Coffee culture continues to gain buzz in Des Moines. Northern Vessel (@northernvessel on Instagram), the latest new spot to cure your java jonesing, drives onto the scene bearing alcohol-free mixed drinks, too. With a slow launch that was expected to start early this summer, T.J. Rude, 26, and Aaron Yahi, 28, aim to use their coffee cart to “serve creative drinks at events around the Midwest to feed the growing coffee and creative community,” Rude says.
The duo put their woodworking skills to use to build the cart. They envision Northern Vessel pulling up to local corporations to caffeinate employees after they reach a business milestone or fueling wedding revelers through the reception with mocktails, then sending them home with upscale coffee drinks. “Our cart and charisma can help take a beautiful event and throw it over the top,” Yahi says. Northern Vessel can be booked for private parties or impromptu tastings through northernvessel@gmail.com.
–Karla Walsh
