Coffee Culture

Water Bearer Coffee brings a whole new feel to Warehouse MRKT

By Abby McKiernan | March 1, 2025

When Azure Klug took over Traverse City’s Rough Pony in February 2024 and rebranded it as Water Bearer Coffee, she wasn’t just changing the name—she was embracing a vision, one that blends her love for coffee, community, and creativity into a welcoming, quirky space for locals and visitors alike.

Water Bearer Coffee’s name pays homage to Klug’s gratitude for the people who helped shape it. Klug, like many key figures in the café’s journey, holds the zodiac sign of Aquarius.

“Aquarius felt like the perfect name to honor the hard work of several people that worked so hard to create the space and help it be successful,” she says. “It’s a fitting tribute to the group of independent thinkers who poured their energy into making Water Bearer a reality alongside me.”

A Coffee Calling

Klug’s journey to café ownership wasn’t conventional. She managed a tanning salon before having her two sons, now eight and nine. It was in that career that she discovered her love for mentoring and managing people, which eventually led her to the coffee industry. Upon her return to work after having her sons, she was connected with friends who owned Brew (now Outpost) and quickly offered her a position at the company.

“I immediately fell in love with the fast-paced yet deeply personal nature of a coffee shop,” she reflects. “It was perfect for me.”

The steady hum of conversation, the scent of freshly ground beans, and the joy of crafting drinks for customers created an environment that felt both energizing and fulfilling. Her knack for remembering names and faces helped her build a genuine connection with customers, turning daily coffee runs into meaningful interactions.

When she moved to Rough Pony after Brew took on new ownership, she quickly felt the pull to create something of her own. Klug began the process of purchasing the Warehouse MRKT spot in October 2023 from previous owner Becky Tranchell, known for the former Rose & Fern Café. The timing was right—Tranchell was ready to step back, and Klug was ready to step forward.

A Space with Soul

Water Bearer Coffee isn’t just a place to grab a coffee to go—it’s an experience. Inspired by tarot and zodiac themes, the café has a cozy, mystical atmosphere, complete with a new zodiac mural by local artist Heather Spooner.

The welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the daily coffee crowd—Klug has also developed quite the green thumb, thanks to her neighbors at Darling Botanical. “I can’t have plants at home because of my cats,” she jokes, “so the café and the knowledge from the shop has given me an opportunity to enjoy growing plants.”

Water Bearer Coffee also takes every chance they can to collaborate on unique community events, like the Full Moon pop-up hosted by Evil Queen Candles, also in the Warehouse MRKT building. The event that brought together local artisans and creatives for an evening of fairy hair, tarot readings, feather hair accessories, and of course, handcrafted beverages from Water Bearer Coffee.

For Klug, supporting these gatherings is an extension of her vision—to create a community where people connect, share, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Local Partnerships, Local Impact

Klug is quick to acknowledge the challenges of running a business, especially during slow seasons. “I was definitely someone who thought owning a small business was glamorous, until I started,” she says, “but it is more than just getting to know customers and making coffee—it is hard work and a lot of paperwork!”

The summer of 2024 was bogged down by major construction projects along Grandview Parkway, and winter always brings a natural dip in traffic. But Klug remains optimistic.

“It’s hard for me because I want to be in the future and have it all figured out, but I don’t. I’m trying to enjoy the moment and the growth stage that we are in.”

She’s also grateful for the camaraderie among local coffee shop owners. “Landon from Hive Coffee in Suttons Bay and Brittany from MI Coffee in Interlochen have been so supportive and helpful. It’s been encouraging to know that we have this great community willing to support each other.”

As such, Klug emphasizes the importance of deep roots in the community, which she takes literally when investing in small businesses like hers. Here’s who you can expect to see gracing the display cases and beyond at the café:

- Third Coast Bakery provides gluten-free pastries.
- Stockist Coffee (owned by Water Bearer’s roaster, Jeff) supplies and roasts the beans.
- Aimes Street Café, an Elk Rapids based shop, contributes cookies and scones.
- Lakeview Hill Farm supplies fresh veggies, pea shoots, spinach, herbs, and microgreens.
- Blessed Be Tea curates the tea selection.
- Bubbie’s Bagels delivers freshly-made bagels and cream cheese.
- Early Bird Granola is featured in parfaits.
- Carolyn Greenman, a local tattoo artist, designed the café’s logo, bringing passion and personal connection to the rebrand.

Must-Try Menu Items

So, what should you order on your next visit? Water Bearer Coffee serves up a menu full of thoughtfully crafted drinks and dishes.

When it comes to beverages, The Banana Split and PB Power are favorites from the smoothie menu. The Chai Latte features homemade cardamom syrup and house-made chai, while the Magic Hour Juice offers a blend of orange, turmeric, lemon, and ginger. And if you need a caffeine boost, opt for the Shakerato, a refreshing shot of espresso shaken with ice and cardamom syrup, creating a cold, frothy, 4-ounce floral-pine delight.

The food choices are just as varied. The Egg and Cheese Sandwich is a classic from the Rough Pony menu featuring a folded egg, melted havarti, and saucy sauce on a toasted country pullman loaf or a Bubbie’s Bagel.

Burritos are also popular, whether it’s the OG Burrito—a staple for regulars made with pintos, folded egg, verde, white onion, feta, sour cream, broken chips, cilantro, and homemade cilantro lime cream sauce—or the Smutty Burrito, a unique twist on a classic wrapped in a tortilla with cheddar cheese, tangy jalapeño crema, tater tots, egg, and bacon (or tempeh bacon).

For Klug’s personal favorite, try the Bougie Toast. You’ll get avocado, jammy egg, everything seasoning, pickled onion, chili oil and micro greens on toasted whole wheat pullman loaf.

With a focus on fresh ingredients, Water Bearer Coffee ensures that nothing is pre-packaged. The café also caters to dietary preferences, carrying tempeh for vegans, and most menu items are already vegetarian.

Find Water Bearer Coffee at 144 Hall St Suite #100 in Traverse City. (231) 252-2442; waterbearercoffee.square.site