The Coffee Shop Is Open For Business

In October "The Coffee Shop" opened in Broadus, in the former Western Chick building just north of Cottonwood Park. The Coffee Shop, owned and operated by locals Heather and Phil Desatoff, serves a variety of caffeinated and other beverages, as well as offering local and Montana made goods for sale, and treats such as ice cream and baked goods for those looking to fill their cravings for something sweet.

The spacious building housing The Coffee Shop has held a number of businesses over the years, from McLee's Sheet Metal, Roofing and Plumbing, to Ed and Hazel Portwine's plumbing business, and then Portwine's hardware business for 27 years, on to Copps Hardware, Buffaloland Antiques and Western Chick.

Heather described the reasoning behind the name of their business: "We went back and forth on all sorts of names and realized that people just say 'I'm going to the coffee shop', so we thought that would be a great name." The Coffee Shop branded mugs are currently in the works to keep a customer's hot drinks hot or their cold drinks cold.

The store features a loyalty program, where a customer has a card punched whenever they make a purchase, and after their tenth drink they get one free. Gift cards are available, and a phone app makes ordering a coffee order quick and easy, with pick-up at the counter.

Plans are for a lounge atmosphere where visitors may comfortably sit and drink their brew and enjoy the view out the front of the vintage building, and The Coffee Shop is available for parties and other group gatherings.

Those looking to shop for interesting artwork and other handcrafted goods from local artisans will be delighted to stop in. A few examples of local artisans on display include Lori Fortner's wreaths, Carlene Gaskill's wood projects, Donna Wilson's jewelry, and photographs from Sarah Fortner. A variety of Made in Montana goods are also available.

"We want to have as much of a local and Montana presence as possible," Phil said as he described the goods in the store. "Whatever we have in the store, we look for locally sourced first, then look statewide, and if the product isn't available there we look for Made in America products."

Heather wanted to thank Shari McKinney, owner of Western Chick, for her support in transitioning the building and coffee business, and welcomed customers and friends to stop in, check out the business, and try a tasty beverage.

The Coffee Shop is open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, and Heather mentioned that customers should keep an eye out on the business's Facebook page for upcoming specials and events.