The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Luke Chavez and John Avery are hoping to celebrate in a big way over Waitsburg Celebration Days weekend: with the opening of their brand-new coffee shop.

Ten Ton Coffee, located in the Ten Ton Press building on Waitsburg's Main Street, is slated to open this weekend.

Renovating the building has involved a lot of blood and sweat (if not tears), and has been a true family endeavor. Chavez' mother, Lane Hill, allowed the partners to transform half of her building's first level into a warm and inviting gathering place. The rest of the space will be retained as an art studio.

Avery's father built the coffee shop tables and sandwich board, and Chavez' aunt and uncle, Gail Gwinn and Joe Patrick, helped throughout the process, varnishing floors and diving in to do whatever needed done.

Local woodworker Jim Walsh built the custom bar and serving area. The bar top is crafted from the old Farmer's Café sign that once graced the front of the building, and an old "Restaurant" sign has been turned on it's side and incorporated into the back wall detail.

The space is warm and cheery, with bright blue walls, a green ceiling and tables accented in green and "Charisma" (coral), with pops of black throughout. Generously sized coffee mugs in orange, blue and black line the counter.

"We want somewhere that is very warm, inviting and comfortable to hang out in," Chavez said. On warm days, the building's rolling door will be opened, allowing customers to feel like they are on a patio, while still seated inside.

Avery said many Seattle coffee shops have only tables or couches. "We included the bar in the plans as kind of a social spot. It's a place to sit and get to know other people and foster community spirit," he said.

Both Avery and Chavez have many years' experience as baristas and working in fine dining in Seattle. They are excited to put their skills to work in a place of their own in Waitsburg.

"We feel like we are filling a need in the community. We're excited to bring our collective experience to the endeavor," Chavez said.

At this point, they hope to be open five days a week, either Wednesday through Sunday or Thursday through Monday. They anticipate being open in the morning through three or four in the afternoon.

"We are working to source as many local ingredients for our coffee and baked goods as possible," Avery said.

"The menu is still under development, but we will have pastries, breads with sweet, savory and lighter options," Chavez added.

Regina Weldert, of Rey's Roast in Dayton, helped the partners develop a custom espresso blend. The shop will serve espresso, regular coffee and cold brew in the summer.

"Our hope is that this will be a beautiful space where people will sit, meet, linger, and chat. It will be truly unique and like nothing that is currently available in Waitsburg," Chavez said. "We're very, very excited."