Coffee shop has new management

Story and photo by Diana Zimmerman

Linnie Vanwinkle recently purchased Waterway Espresso from Erla Crouse and renamed it Vanwinkle Espresso.

She and her husband were working in Williston, North Dakota, when he found the coffee shop listed on Craigslist.

"I looked at the pictures and thought, I'm going to check it out," Vanwinkle said. "So I finished up my shift and drove 18 hours. He's still working over there, but I'm staying here now. This is my first business. I've been wanting to do this since 2013, after I worked in a sit-down coffee shop in Williston."

Vanwinkle is still decorating and has added a comfortable leather couch to the seating. She also bought a new espresso machine and grinder.

"I like coffee, but mostly I like the people," she said. "Coffee and wine are the two things that really put a smile on people's faces. I'm particular about my coffee, so I figured, why not make it for people? I've had a couple coffee jobs and I've really enjoyed it."

The couple have a home in Kalama, so Vanwinkle now commutes each day for work. It takes her about 45 minutes, but she likes the drive. Her daughter, Shaya was training on Tuesday to help out on weekends.

Vanwinkle Espresso will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Customers can call in or text orders at 360-846-3649.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting is schedule for June 15 at 2 p.m. Vanwinkle will be having drink and sandwich specials all day. In the meantime, every time you purchase a coffee between now and then, you will be entered into a drawing for a coffee basket.