Unwind at Topag

No matter the location, Topog Coffeehouse has become a place to unwind and relax from the busyness of life. Owners Jeremy and Kelcey Morrison have worked hard to create a restful haven for their guests, first opening on historic Lake Street in Arnolds Park in 2021, and then their new location with indoor/outdoor seating and a drive-thru in Milford, this past October.

“Since day one, we’ve been following God’s plan and his timing. He put it on my heart from the beginning and he’s guided our every step. We want to be a place where people can relax, sit down and enjoy a coffee or lunch,” said Kelcey. “For the past six years, we continue to be so thankful and humbled by the community’s support!”

Opening Topog Coffeehouse

In 2020, the Morrison’s were approached by the previous owner to purchase the coffeehouse and ice cream shop. At the time, they initially said no but the idea stuck with them. The thought kept reoccurring until Kelcey stopped Jeremy and said, “I think God really wants us to do this.”

Previously, Arnolds Park Amusement Park had completed a variety of projects, including renovating the iconic Roof Garden and the historic Legend Roller Coaster, as well as adding the beautiful Boardwalk, Promenade and State Pier, alongside Imagine Iowa Great Lakes.

The lakefront boardwalk have become places to visit and enjoy, whether you are local or a visitor,” Jeremy added. “It is another reason why we knew it was right to purchase the business. We also appreciated the beautiful patio Arnolds Park built outside the shop. In the summer, it is ideal for relaxing.”

The couple took ownership on March 21, 2021, and immediately began transforming the space located in the middle of Queen’s Court. They removed the drop ceiling and reconfigured some walls, while also rearranging different aspects of the coffeehouse.

“We did a lot of the work ourselves, much without lights and heat, except the plumbing and electrical work, which Philips Electric and Lakes Plumbing and Heating oversaw,” Jeremy recalled. “Our kids (Jackson and Etta) have taken part in every aspect since day one! Also, it would not have been possible without the endless help from Kelcey’s parents, Joel and Karen Naber.”

Creating a name was a playground of fun for the Morrison’s, as the couple also owns BonFire Marketing and Web Co. The idea was to develop a name that reflected the nearby Lake but also could eventually encompass other locations.

Jeremy and Kelcey decided on the name “Topog Coffeehouse,” using a topography map of the Iowa Great Lakes in their branding. “We actually took the DNR map and used the lines of the actual Lakes for our branding,” Jeremy said.

Regularly Transforming

Since they initially opened in 2021, every year, Topog Coffeehouse continuously revamps different aspects of the business, from layout to food options. The first summer Kelcey managed the coffeehouse.
“I knew how to run a business and about marketing but I had never been a barista. I wanted to learn how everything works,” Kelcey said.

Kelcey attended a coffee school and learned how to use the equipment. They also learned the importance of using Grade A beans and great equipment to deliver a consistant high end product.
“Kelcey is very good at listening and empowering others to make decisions,” Jeremy shared. “Her mind also looks at systems and processes and can understand how to make things more efficient.”
This became very apparent during Farmers Market in the Park on Saturdays. The first year, they managed a small table outside the shop. They quickly realized how incredibly busy these mornings are for the coffeehouse, and by year two, they improved their offerings for the market that serves different coffee options and alleviates the line for the actual coffeehouse.

Now, entering year six at Topog on Lake Street, Kelcey decided to shift the layout three inches to encompass some new equipment. “We can save ten seconds on a drink when we are busy!” she said.
In 2023, Kristen Burnett was hired and trained to be General Manager. Topog also employs a large group of high school and college students.

“This is the biggest test of support from the community when parents let their child work for us,” she shared. “This is a responsibility I take very seriously and thankful for the opportunity to teach them and help them learn more about life.”

A Second Location

The other transforming aspect for the business was adding a second location in 2025. The Morrison’s had looked at other potential locations, dreaming of adding a second coffeehouse that could be open year-round, had indoor seating and included a drive-thru.

“We didn’t want it to be a tin building or look like a box,” Jeremy said. “We wanted something with character and in a location that was beneficial to multiple parties. It took time to find the right place.”
In 2024, Jeremy shared how Drew Hage, Spirit of Okoboji Organization, contacted him about an available location along Highway 86 and near Grapetree Medical Staffing. Pieces began to really fall into place in 2025, when the the old Stone Cottage from Brooks Golf Course in Okoboji became available for sale.

The Spirit of Okoboji organization purchased the building and coordinated the moving to its final destination in north Milford, alongside Highway 86.
“We couldn’t have done it without their help and assistance,” Jeremy said. “

The beautiful historic building had solid bones and had been renovated by Kristi Leigh in recent years, which he said made it easier to move. It was really important to Tim Kinnetz and his team to save this historic building and repurpose it into something that could benefit more people and create a new business opportunity in the Iowa Great Lakes.

Jesse Leiss from Leiss Construction was the General Contractor and helped overcome several construction challenges. One was adding additional space onto the building in the back, but without losing any character. Even better, only one window needed to be removed and it was switched to the back of the kitchen.

“Jesse did an amazing job of helping throughout the project,” Jeremy shared.

Justin Helgeson, at Brecher Concrete, oversaw the concrete, including the ramp for the drive-thru. “He was super creative with the concrete, managing drainage and figuring out how to do all of the slopes,” Jeremy said.

With the addition of a second location that is open year-round and has a larger kitchen, Topog Coffeehouse in Milford is able to offer more catering opportunities. More food options are also provided in Milford.

“From the beginning, we wanted our brand to provide healthier and fresh foods. We knew the area didn’t need another hamburger shop, but we still wanted to provide food that was fast and quality.
Both locations also offer hand-dipped Ashby’s ice cream, as well as grab n’ go food items.

Topog Coffeehouse also showcases unique and custom Okoboji merchandise you won’t find anywhere else. The Bonfire Marketing staff develops much of the branding and clothing designs and many of the items have become popular must-have items.

“We really appreciate Jordi (Gerking’s) expertise with marketing and branding, as well as Morgan and the rest of the team,” he said.

No matter which location you visit, Topog Coffeehouse provides a refreshing space to unwind and enjoy a fun treat or quality meal. Topog in Milford is open year-round, while the original Topog Coffeehouse opened for the season in mid-May. For more information, find Topog Coffeehouse on social media or visit www.topog.com