Espresso stand makes break for other side of couplet
Nothing perks up a morning commute like coffee. For those driving the Sprague Avenue side of the couplet, that hot java just got more convenient with Breakaway Espresso’s recent move to the parking lot at Empire Cycle and Power Sports.
Breakaway Espresso owner Becky Schweikert, who relocated from across the couplet on Appleway, said she anticipated increased business capitalizing on morning commuters and hopes to double her business by summer.
“(There is) much more traffic over there,” she said. “Morning was our busiest time but it wasn’t as good as we could have gotten. Appleway is more of an afternoon traffic – people coming back home from work between 3 and 5. It was really busy, but nobody wants coffee right before they go home. Sprague is busier in the morning time, which is when we are busiest.”
The owners of Empire Cycle and Power Sports, Bob and Debbie Ellis, invited Schweikert to move the coffee stand soon after opening the motorcycle showroom, in part to attract more customers themselves.
“We’ve known Becky and her dad for quite a few years. She is just as sweet as can be,” said Debbie Ellis. “It will bring exposure to our business also. The more they see activity in our parking lot, the more our business will catch people’s eyes as they are driving by. We can’t wait to have them open up.”
Along with the standard variety of coffee drinks and a special blend roasted by Spokane’s Waverly Coffee Inc, Breakaway Espresso will have a Pepsi fountain for soft drinks, lemonade, fruit smoothies, jet teas and an assortment of pastries from Sweetwater Bakery.
What sets them apart, said Schweikert, is their modesty. “Some stands are known for low-cut shirts. We want to be known for modesty. You can bring your kids in and not see something you don’t want them to see.”
She wanted to break away from the barista-on-display trend, so she and her employees wear T-shirts and black aprons, so customers don’t get an eyeful. “I wanted to be different and known for integrity and quality service and quality coffee – not people coming for the way we dress. With uniforms it looks more professional and inviting. People know we are serious about our product and about what we make for them, and it shows with the way we dress.”
Growing up during the coffee craze of the ‘90s, Schweikert said she has always loved coffee and always thought it would be fun to own a coffee stand. She purchased the stand when she was 17, right before graduating from University High School in 2006.
“I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” she said. “I enjoy being in the stand and talking with customers and hearing different stories and getting to know them. You create your relationships just by making coffee and just knowing you are making them a good drink and hearing about their lives and their stories.”