Satisfying Statewide Demand for Coffee through Kiosks

In the heart of Alaska, where the temperature often dips below freezing, coffee kiosks have become a familiar sight. With one kiosk for every approximately 6,100 Alaskans seeking their caffeine fix, these mobile cafes are a vital part of the state's daily routine.

From Ketchikan to Utqiagvik, and in villages and towns in between, coffee kiosks offer a variety of drinks to suit every taste. Whether it's a Frappuccino, iced coffee, cold brew, or a non-coffee option for an energy boost, Alaskans have plenty of choices.

The owners of these kiosks face unique challenges, especially those located farther away from Anchorage. Maintaining the temperature inside the kiosk is crucial to prevent machines from freezing or breaking. Syneva Runyan, the owner of Lulu's Coffee in Kotzebue, ensures her machines stay in top condition by placing bi-weekly orders and storing as much inventory as possible in the freezer.

Syneva opened Lulu's Coffee in Kotzebue due to a desire to have a drive-thru coffee shop in the town. Similarly, Kelly Cooper, the owner of Coop's Coffee in Homer, aimed to create jobs for women and youth in the community.

Maintenance of both the kiosk and the machines is a challenge, but owners like Terika Kons, the owner of Stars & Stripes Coffee Shop in Anchorage, have found innovative solutions. Terika has installed a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust the temperature inside the kiosk remotely, and she relies on weekly flights for the delivery of inventory items like syrups, baked goods, powders, and smoothie mixes.

Baristas use social media to post monthly specials to attract customers, and owners find the overall experience, the relationships they've built with customers, and their ability to give back to the community rewarding.

Coffee kiosks also offer some type of food to pair with their beverages, though exactly what those offerings are varies. In Dillingham, Amelia and Jacob Nelson opened Wren's Drive Thru during the COVID-19 pandemic to fill a void in their community.

Despite the challenges, coffee kiosks continue to thrive in Alaska. Owners like Syneva, Kelly, Terika, Amelia, and Jacob have turned their passion for coffee into successful businesses, providing Alaskans with a warm and welcoming place to start their day.