I’ve been baptized again in the farmlands that remind me of home, and that’s just one of the unique aspects Wheeler’s Cafe and Market has to offer. If you’re like me and grew up on a farm, this coffee shop will have a permanent place in your back pocket.
Four and a half years ago, being dubbed as a coffee shop in the “middle of nowhere,” Wheeler’s Cafe and Market found firm footing in the roots of the rural land. Located at 25625 State Road 37 North in Noblesville, Neal and Angie, operators of Wheeler’s Cafe and Market, strive to make it worth the trip away from the city. They decided to serve specialty coffee drinks as well as a food menu because “not everyone drinks coffee, but everyone eats food.”
Neal and Angie Wheeler want their customers to feel like they’re part of a larger community when they visit Wheeler’s Cafe & Market. (Photo provided by Sydney Schmitt)
Neal and Angie both agreed that “our menu has an upscale feel since our ingredients are sourced locally. We decided to have a market as well so the community doesn’t need to drive out of town for local fresh produce. We wanted our menu to feel like we are feeding our own family, so we make sure the quality is at its finest.”
They also offer gluten-free and vegan options as well to accommodate all taste buds. No matter what, you’ll always also be served a side of a bad dad joke provided by Neal himself. “If you don’t come in smiling, we’ll make sure you’re smiling by the time you leave.”
I can certainly attest to the high-end quality of the turkey sandwich I had, but I’m here to focus more on the coffee. I ordered a hot Noble Jones, named after Charles Jones, who was the first black police officer in Noblesville. The two flavors that make up this latte are chocolate and the surprising flavor, blackberry. I quite enjoyed the touch of blackberry as it’s a different flavor than what I usually order. Neal’s favorite coffee order is the Maple Lapel, his own invention and also a menu favorite for locals. “The maple syrup is tapped from maple trees in Lapel and the sea salt caramel can help turn down the bitterness of the coffee.” If you’re going to order a food item, he recommends the Spicy Piggy. Angie’s favorite menu item is … all the menu. “If I didn’t like it, it wouldn’t be on the menu” she laughed.
Photo provided by Sydney Schmitt
The atmosphere inside the coffee shop has a rustic farm feel, fitting to where they are located. The black siding, rustic wood tables, and long bench to sit on feels like you’re joining the Walton’s for a family dinner. There is plenty of seating indoors as well as outdoors and plenty of outlets for your technological charging needs. If sitting and sipping on coffee isn’t for you, you can head on through the door that connects Wheeler’s Cafe and Market to Mercantile 37 and you can shop around.
When I walked in the door of Wheeler’s Cafe and Market, I was a stranger. When I walked out, I felt like a family member. That’s just part of the warmth one can feel when visiting. Speaking of warmth, operators Neal and Angie hit the nail on the head with what it means to be a part of a caring community.
“The community is the reason why we made it through COVID. They didn’t want to see us go under and they really started coming here rather than going to town for different items,” they said.
Wheeler’s gives back to the community by being a part of the Mission Discovery group through HBM Special Services Co-Op. This group helps students in the local school districts by teaching various vocational skills within the community. While I was there, a student was helping Angie and Neal put together to-go boxes.
“By being a locally run coffee shop, we can do things like this and we can give back to the community,” both Angie and Neal said.
Photo provided by Sydney Schmitt
They told me about various students from this program that have come and gone over the years and I could tell that giving back to the community in this way is something meaningful to them.
If you’re ever headed north on State Road 37 anytime soon and find yourself needing to make a pit stop for coffee and a sandwich, Wheeler’s Cafe and Market will welcome you inside with arms wide open.
To learn more about the menu and hours of operation, check them out on the web at mercantile37.com/wheelersmarket.
Sydney Schmitt is a self-pronounced coffee addict who is a new resident of Noblesville. She can be reached at sydneyschmitt@gmail.com. She’d love to hear from you and what coffee shops she should try!
Photo provided by Sydney Schmitt