Mars Café reopened its doors Sept. 15 with new owners, a new menu and a new coat of paint on the walls. But the owners of the popular coffeehouse say they want to keep its same bold, local flavor.

“We want it to be the Mars that (former owner) Larry James built because it was something special,” said Angela Johnson, one of the shop’s four new owners.

The coffeehouse, located in the Drake University neighborhood, closed in mid-August after six years under James’ management.

The café’s specialty coffee drinks and effect on the community turned Johnson, Justin Schoen and Amedeo Rossi from regulars into restaurateurs. The three, who all serve on the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition board, brewed up plans with owner and managing partner Mark Movic to get the place running again.

This may be their first time running a coffeehouse, but all four have different strengths they bring to the business, Rossi said. Movic, who worked at Principal Financial Group Inc. for 30 years, is in charge of the finances. Schoen, founder of digital marketing firm eComegy LLC, is handling the marketing. Johnson, a director in Principal’s insurance division, performs human resources tasks, and Rossi, owner of The Lift, is navigating the cafe’s licensing requirements.

“We couldn’t have done this by ourselves,” Schoen added.

Much of the original staff has returned, Johnson said, adding that eight of their 10 employees worked at the coffeehouse before it closed. “They love this place, and they know how to do their jobs,” she said.

The owners plan to bring in live music and hold events, such as a speaker series. They also want it to be a place where campus organizations and local businesses can host meetings. Rossi said they want Mars Café to continue to be a part of the community and serve the students at Drake University.

In addition to more events, the four have brought back a menu including paninis and other sandwiches. They sell other local foods and beverages, including Thelma’s Treats and Peace Tree beer.

But what Mars Café’s new owners want most of all is for it to become a community space.

“If we didn’t want Mars Café to serve this community, we would have moved to Ingersoll (Avenue) or another location.” Rossi said. “But we really want to serve this location.”