Feb. 7, 2025

A coffee shop in Tea has new owners for the new year.

Zooks Coffee Bar was opened three years ago by Linda Kokenge at 815 Gateway Lane.

She sold it to Vince and Sharif Welch, who are from Brandon, late last year.

“Vince and Sharif Welch see my vision and are jumping in to make it even better,” Kokenge wrote in a statement introducing the new owners and transition.

Vince Welch stopped into Zooks for a latte last year when he learned the shop was for sale, and he moved forward with the purchase of the business with a goal to grow it.

He and his wife have traveled the world and maintain a love for coffee. Welch brings a background in business, and Sharif Welch is the radio morning show host on Life 96.5.

“I was looking for a business that was successful, that you could take and help grow, and this opportunity was a perfect fit,” Welch said.

The new year will bring new opportunities for Zooks Coffee Bar.

Welch said expanding the space and the kitchen are high on his priority list – plus eventually the menu.

Zooks’ recently added baked doughnuts, including gluten-free options, and 8-inch pizzas made from scratch.

Above all, Welch said he looks forward to being a part of the community and carrying on the legacy that Kokenge leaves behind.

“It will still be Zooks,” Kokenge wrote. “Parable Coffee is still the roaster. The staff is staying. … It has not been an easy decision for me to let go of my baby, but it’s time.”

Zooks is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.