Sequim Gazette staff

In the Hawaiian language, ‘Ohana means family.

 

Family is the central idea behind the ‘Ohana Coffee Company, the newly named drive-through espresso stand on U.S. Highway 101 across from Taylor Cut-off Road.

 

Drivers along Highway 101 will recall the stand used to be yellow, but when Lori Lynn Gray purchased it earlier this year, she and the new managers — her son Evan and Evan’s girlfriend, Sarah Duce — painted it blue, landscaped it with palm trees and changed the name. What was “Happy Beans” became ‘Ohana.

 

“That reflects our commitment to family and our family’s love of Hawaii,” Gray said.

 

The family theme extends to the color, which Duce says is the same soothing color as their son’s bedroom.

 

Duce, originally from Las Vegas, said she and Evan had been wanting a coffee stand for a while. “Lori just sort of surprised us,” she said.

 

‘Ohana only serves the very best products, Duce said, including Washington’s own Dillanos Coffee, named the 2011 Coffee Roaster of the Year by Roast magazine.

 

The stand also serves up Ghirardelli sauces, Monin syrups and features white coffee, a lightly roasted version of the classic that delivers 30 percent more caffeine. “It’s more flavorful, too,” Duce said.

 

As much as possible, the ingredients are purchased locally. That includes scones, muffins and bagel sandwiches from Olympic Bagel Company. Sunny Farms Country Store provides the ice and the alternative milks, including coconut milk and almond milk.

 

Looking for specials? Every Tuesday the folks at ‘Ohana serve up a 12-ounce mocha for $2. On Thursdays, children receive a free cup of cider or hot chocolate with any purchase.

 

Through Christmas customers can enjoy a good cup of coffee while doing a good deed. The baristas at ‘Ohana are donating 100 percent of the tips they receive each Wednesday to local family oriented nonprofits, including the Sequim Food Bank and Toys for Tots. They also are collecting canned food donations.

 

Barista Lindsay Merrell said she’s more than happy to pitch in. Last Wednesday, she said, “I was just bummed I didn’t make more (in tips).”

 

‘Ohana is open from 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.