In the multicolored house positioned between the Kwik Shop and the car wash on Ames Street, owners Shawn and Kelsey Nelson prepare for the grand opening of their business, the Melange Apron.

With the much-anticipated date set for Saturday, an assortment of family members, employees and even a preacher add the final touches.

“I just hope that it’s a fun, entertaining place where people can come and relax. We want to be community centered,” Shawn said. “But instead of the community coming to us, we want to go to them.”

Inside, tracks from the “Juno” soundtrack play from speakers above the eclectic hodge-podge of furniture and décor as a faint smell of coffee filters through the sitting area and into the connecting restaurant. With last-minute adjustments and fresh coats of paint, the Nelsons anticipate the opening of their doors to the community.

“I think we’re just excited to see it in use,” Kelsey said. “It’s been so great having people cooking in the kitchen, and it’ll be great to see people sitting at the tables, enjoying the food or ordering coffee.”

Although people struggle with the pronunciation of ‘melange,’ the overall feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, Shawn said. With three children, and one more on the way, the Nelsons made Baldwin City their home, with hopes to have the continued support of the community.

“We haven’t lived here that long, but we hope to be accepted into the community,” Kelsey said. “We want to do something good for Baldwin, and become a part of Baldwin.”

Despite the risks of opening a restaurant in the current economic state, the Nelsons pieced their ideas together to form a cohesive business.

Whether the discussion is about the planned Wii bowling nights, the play area for kids or the menu, Baker sophomore and cook Ethan Bailey displays enthusiasm.

“Baldwin has a few different restaurants, but now people won’t have to go to Lawrence for really good food,” Bailey said. “I think the community will really enjoy this experience.”

Although Shawn has never tasted a drop of coffee, and Kelsey doesn’t have experience managing a restaurant, the couple’s hard work caught the attention of all involved.

"The ideas that Kelsey and Shawn still have, and the ones that they've already accomplished, really make the Melange Apron what it is," Casey Bear, barista and Web master, said. "Word gets around quick in small towns, so I'm hoping it will be really busy. They've been waiting for this for a very long time."<br/>