We were passing through Kanab on our way... somewhere else... but we had some history and old friends in southern Utah, so we paused to visit. Everything just sort of came together around us, and here we are. In any case, we arrived with a strong notion of what we wanted to do. We were passionate about the outdoors, we possessed an abiding love of books, and we were appreciative of excellent coffe
e both as a delicious beverage and as a social lubricant. (We were drawn to the idea of a brewery as much as an espresso bar, but this was Utah in the 1990’s.) From the moment the doors opened in1994, The Willow has had a life of its own. We had the vision to establish The Willow, and we poured our selves and our resources into that vast dream—but it has never been ours alone. The staff that nurtured the business in its formative years, like Kriston, Estelle, Todd, and Amanda, imparted their own influence and fostered a culture of team play that continues today. The Willow has become part of the Kanab community, part of the high desert landscape. It reflects the desires and the imaginations of those who have shopped here over two decades—some from around the corner, others from around the world. It is an oasis, a gathering place, a sanctuary. And it is a place that inspires adventure. We fit a lot into the 1,300 square feet under The Willow, but we focus on our Colorado Plateau location and what it calls for. We insist on quality goods at a fair price. And we stand behind it all. We feel blessed to be in a business that allows us to connect with people—from all walks of life and from all over the world—who share our passions.
