Student Café Chronicles: Cornerstone Coffee & Sweets

Nestled between antique shops and restaurants in midtown Coeur d’Alene, just one and a half miles from the North Idaho College campus, is Cornerstone Coffee & Sweets.

Cornerstone was opened by its current owner in December of 2023 and offers a wide variety of coffee, tea, and Italian soda beverages.

The café also provides a variety of baked goods including a cinnamon roll recipe passed down through the shop’s various owners over the last five years. Suzie Crosby, Cornerstone’s current owner, said, “The cinnamon roll is what makes Cornerstone stand out.” 

For interested NIC students, Cornerstone’s other amenities include:

• Free wifi
• Nearby shopping and eating options
• Quite and relaxed environment

“We are not as fast-paced as other places,” said Crosby. “It’s not everybody’s cup of tea but I love when people come in to study or just hang out.”

Crosby procured the storefront in April of 2023 after visiting as a patron while attending classes at NIC. “I used to come by all the time,” Crosby said, “but I never thought I would own it.”

After several months of difficulties including rotted-out floors and medical emergencies, Crosby and her business partner opened Cornerstone’s doors to the public. 

Crosby said she started on the endeavor because “I’ve always wanted to do something and I thought ‘I love coffee’. . .so here we are.”