A toast to Kanpai – New soda shop debuts in Decorah

By Roz Weis,

Thursday, February 15, 2024 4:31 pm

Kanpai Manager Chad Gossling pictured in the interior of the new soda shop in downtown Decorah. (Driftless Multimedia photo by Roz Weis)

Kanpai Soda Shop made its debut on Water Street in downtown Decorah last month.

Owners Lori and Kevin Gossling, of the Calmar/Spillville area, opened the business in January with a “soft opening”.

The manager at Kanpai is their son, Chad Gossling, who revealed that the name means “cheers” in Japanese.

Located at 404 West Water Street (in the familiar building with the rock façade), Kanpai’s menu includes scores of bottled and canned craft sodas, local Spring Grove pop, a wide variety of teas, coffee, snacks and root beer on tap.

Some of Gossling’s favorites are the Ramune, a Japanese soda, and Sprecher’s brand sodas from Milwaukee, Wis.

Patrons are greeted with fresh-popped popcorn as they sip their favorite beverages, while enjoying the free WiFi connection in the comfortable seating areas at the shop.

Also available is a variety of tasty Pinter’s homemade fudge and popcorn varieties.

The owners said they are putting the finishing touches on a new “candyland” area at the rear of the shop. Future plans also include a late-afternoon dessert feature each day.

Manager Chad Gossling said he wanted to bring something new to the area. He studied Japanese culture while attending the University of Northern Iowa, and he’s excited about the new venture.

“I just want to share some of my favorite things with people,” he commented.

Hours at Kanpai are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

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Virginia
Guest
11 months ago

Can’t wait to try it. Sounds very interesting.

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