GREAT BEND - Great Bend Economic Development plans to announce its 2026 IGNITE winner Oct. 8 at the historic Crest Theater. Five finalists were recently named and include Great Bend Play Place; Little Window Restaurant Group; Sugar Co.; The Book Cellar; and The Zarah Coffee Shop.
The Zarah Coffee Shop is owned by Kimberly Becker and was formerly Perks.
“For the last couple of years, every time I walked into Perks for a cup of coffee or to meet with a client, I found myself imagining what it could become,” she said. “I could see the potential for it to be so much more than just a place to grab coffee.”
On June 1, that dream became a reality and The Zarah Coffee Shop was born.
“My motivation was never simply to own a coffee shop; it was about creating something for our community,” Becker said. “As one of the last locally owned coffee shops in Great Bend, I saw an opportunity to create a space where people could slow down, gather, connect, build relationships, have meaningful conversations, and experience something a little different in their day.”
Becker said they strive to create both coffee and connections.
“We are a welcoming hub where relationships are built, ideas are sparked, and every guest feels valued,” she said. “Through a culture of growth, encouragement, and creative innovation, we inspire both our team and our community to embrace possibility and create meaningful impact.”
The Zarah Coffee Shop is the last locally-owned coffee shop in Great Bend and is located in the historic building that once housed the original Zarah Hotel and Coffee Shop.
“Bringing the name back is a way of honoring that history while giving the space a new purpose,” she said. “We also want it to be a flexible gathering space for baby showers, rehearsal dinners, prayer meetings, meetings, celebrations, and other community gatherings.”
Becker said that as the Zarah Loft Apartments open, the coffee shop hopes to become a natural gathering place for their resident’s as well.
“We are creating local jobs, giving people another reason to visit downtown Great Bend, bringing visitors into the community, generating additional tax revenue, and contributing to the ongoing revitalization of our downtown,” she said. “Ultimately, I’m not just trying to fill a need for another place to get coffee. I’m trying to fill a need for connection, community, and a place where people want to linger.”
Becker applied for the IGNITE program to strengthen the infrastructure and provide faster, more efficient service. She said the mentorship and coaching she’s received through IGNITE has had a significant impact on the way she approaches and things about the business side of The Zarah Coffee Shop.
“I’ve always had confidence in the people side of leadership and business, but operating a business that sells a product rather than primarily a service is a newer experience for me—especially at this scale,” she said. “IGNITE has helped me develop a stronger understanding of the financial and operational side of the business and given me practical tools to make more informed decisions.”
Becker said IGNITE helped her move away from a scarcity mentality and toward trusting the process.
“Instead of immediately reacting when things get tight, I’m learning to step back, look at the numbers, understand what they are telling me, and make intentional decisions” she said. “A big part of that is continually looking for small ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency without sacrificing the quality of what we provide.”
Becker said the grand prize money would move The Zarah from simply keeping up with growth to being prepared for it. She is married, a mother of four girls, and a grandma of 12.
“I was born and raised in Great Bend and, with the exception of about eight years away, have called this community home my entire life,” she said. “I don’t think I fully appreciated Great Bend growing up the way I do today. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for this community and genuinely want to see it thrive.”
