Kokanee Coffee moves to Bonners, still serving coffee and the Lord

BONNERS FERRY — Kokanee Coffee, a familiar regional coffee house, has moved to a stand in Bonners Ferry, offering excellent coffee, food and the love of Christ.  

The business first opened in Sandpoint on Fifth Avenue nearly a decade ago. In 2021, Kelly and Eric Thompson purchased the business 2021 and, in June, decided to close the Sandpoint location and move the business to Bonners Ferry.  

The Thompsons will continue Kokanee and their high standards for food, coffee and customer service. Additionally, all former staff members from Mojo’s have stayed on with the change in business.  

“We are grateful to all the staff that transferred from Mojo’s,” Kelly said. “We want to make sure we are loving each and every customer like we are supposed to as Christians.”  

The former location was also a café, so the change to a drive through has made them change their food offerings. They are known for their hearty soup, which they will continue to serve, along with breakfast burritos and handcrafted grilled sandwiches.  

Kelly said despite the change in square footage their high standard for offerings will not be affected.  

“We will not serve a sub-par product,” she said, adding that they have listened to employees on what Bonners Ferry customers want and need.  

Previously, Kokanee Coffee was also a roaster, but the Thompsons have instead decided to use Paradise Valley Roaster Coffee, from Boundary County, as their house roast.  

An additional drive-thru has been added to the stand, which allows two vehicle lanes at one time.  

The Thompsons plan to pave the second gravel lane in the future. Additional signage to attack south-bound traffic on U.S. 95 will be added as well.  

Kelly said relocating to Bonners Ferry from Sandpoint may put a preconceived stigma on the business, but she wants the community to know that they as a family and business are community minded and will continue to offer prayer and a bible to any customer upon request.  

“We are a Jesus coffee stand,” she said.  

She said that at the former location, where free bibles were available, many tourists would take issue with Kokanee Coffee having an eight-foot cross on the wall. The Thompsons look forward to being able to serve the community while still be able to follow their values and biblical convictions.  

Seasonal specials will be a regular occurrence and in October, employee-crafted specials will feature candies inspired coffees and energy drink specials.  

To add an extra touch of functionality and service, utilities will be wrapped and mints will be added to food orders.  

Veterans and first responders are dear to the Thompson family, since Eric Thompson is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. To thank all those who serve, Kokanee will continue its tradition of providing military and first responder discounts daily.  

Under the Thompson family, Kokanee Coffee has in the past hosted veteran nights in November, where local veterans have shared their stories, including a World War II veteran. However, due to a lack of space at the stand, they hope to find other ways to support and host community building events.  

Since opening in Bonners, Kokanee has participated in Battle of the Stands, a fundraiser for CASA and the Bonners Ferry High School Homecoming decoration contest. They hope to continue supporting community events, organizations and fundraisers. 

“We have small-town values,” Kelly said who was raised in a three-generation logging family in California.  

Kokanee Coffee will still accept any gift cards or booster club coupons that were issued under Mojo’s Coffee.  

Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Located at 6494 Main St., next to Super 1 on Hwy 95 at the former Mojo’s Coffee where Kokanee Coffee has set up shop since June 22, 2024.