Pitchside Coffee gives KC Current fans a new home base
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KC Current stars just opened a massive café in the Crossroads — and if you swing by, your barista may be a midfielder.
Why it matters: As the hottest team in the National Women's Soccer League, the Current are pouring that same energy back into Kansas City — creating another kind of local buzz.
Catch up quick: Kristen Hamilton and five past and present teammates — Elizabeth Ball, Hailie Mace, Vanessa DiBernardo, Mallory Weber and Desiree Scott — launched Pitchside Coffee with a mobile trailer just a year ago. Hamilton told Axios the dream of a permanent shop came true faster than expected.
- "Coffee and soccer culture go so hand in hand," Hamilton told Axios. "On away trips, it's always, Where's the best local café? The idea came naturally."
- Their first Crossroads pop-up drew a line of 200 people. "It was sheer panic, but also unbelievable support," she said.
Zoom in: The players designed their own espresso blend using beans from Colombia, Nicaragua and Brazil, roasted locally by Post Coffee until their new in-house roaster is up and running.
- Every syrup is made in the shop, from classic vanilla with real bean flecks to more playful flavors like peanut butter caramel and saffron orange honey.
What's next: Pitchside plans to eventually roll out a food menu with local vendors — including Luca's bagels and breakfast burritos — and add a "performance menu" with protein cold foams and anti-inflammatory teas.
- The café also plans to host watch parties for Current matches — but you won't see the owners pulling espresso shots while they're on the field.