‘The Planet’ cafe to orbit Otto’s Oasis, starting in April

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

An assortment of refreshments will soon be available to patrons of Otto’s Oasis.

“The Planet,” currently a mobile coffee bar and cafe owned by Holly Teepe of Rockford, will set up a permanent site in the greenhouse of the Charles City floral shop.

Teepe said a lot of greenhouses in other regions of the country that have little cafes inside them, “you just don’t see it around here as often.” She tentatively has her sights set on opening her business inside Otto’s by the second week in April, although much depends on government inspections and clearances.

Teepe has been operating The Planet Mobile Bar and Cafe since last October, setting up temporary service in various places around the region and offering specialty coffees, teas, cold brew, smoothie bowls and grab-and-go meal and healthy snack options such as avocado toast, scones and more.

She has set up alternately in Charles City, Nashua, New Hampton, Rockford and Mason City, among other locales. She said she will continue with the mobile business and will hire some staff to help her operate both the mobile and permanent locations.

“I’m just really focused on giving everybody a very good cup of coffee,” Teepe said. “I’m definitely very excited.”

Otto’s Oasis owners Jeff and Lori Otto said they’ve been toying with the idea of offering refreshments at the establishment for years, and were excited when they had initial conversations about it with Teepe.

“We’ve always wanted to have something here, with food or drink or something like that, but just weren’t able to do it ourselves,” said Lori Otto. “It’s fun to partner with somebody and have them come in and do it.”

Otto also said that it’s important for established businesses in the community to help new businesses “get on their feet.”

“We’re excited to help them, and partner with them,” she said. “We really hope it goes well. It’s another business to offer in town.”

Teepe said that when she spoke with the Ottos she fell in love with the idea of having a permanent home for her business in the greenhouse.

She said that the idea came to fruition very quickly, as she and Otto’s made the initial plans a little over a month ago. Her area in the greenhouse is already set up, and will be ready to go as soon as there is some inventory.

Teepe said that her whole business is built on sustainability, and she places a high degree of importance on using local materials whenever possible, as well as biodegradable, environmentally-friendly products.