KINGSTON — Anybody can be trained to make a delicious cup of java, but receiving top-notch customer service — now that’s a treat.
Kingstons’ Cup and Muffin drive-thru and full-scale coffee bar has the competition edged when it comes to customer service to remember.
Serving the customer right is owners Mark and Amy Anderson’s business philosophy, and it works. In the year since the couple assumed ownership of what was formally Natural Grounds, business has quadrupled.
“Customer service is our speciality. It’s important to me that everybody who comes through feels important and feels like they’re the boss,” Amy said sitting outside the shop Tuesday afternoon, waving to customers as they drove by. “You want to come back. We’re fast, efficient and friendly.”
Mark added their staff wont let someone pull away until they have them smiling.
In addition to service with a smile patrons can delight in the full gamut of delectable coffee drinks with all the trimmings – espresso, drip and a hefty helping of syrups — five varieties of hot sandwiches, three cold sandwiches, bagels, yogurt and a kid’s menu.
Amy recommends the BLT, because it’s the best around, adding that she has a personal affinity to bacon, which helps her decision. Mark, on the other hand, is all about the Italian Grinder, saying it’s “the most delicious sandwich.”
They haven’t developed any promotional deals yet, but their everyday, regular drip price is $1.
The Andersons have owned the shop for only a year, but are no strangers to the coffee business.
Amy ran a coffee shop in Seattle for 10 years and loved it, which is why they bought the shop in Kingston. She mans the bar six days a week and Mark keeps track of the books and maintenance.
Cafe Vita beans are used at the Cup and Muffin because they’re some of the finest beans in the area. Organic milk and beans are available upon request.
The Cup and Muffin also offers a pleasant outdoor space for moms to catch some rays while the little ones play. A fountain cascades in the drive-thru’s court yard and a bin of toys is always at the ready for playful children.
During summer the Anderson’s host a weekly play day. Moms buy the coffee and the Cup and Muffin provides healthy snacks for the kids.
“It’s needed in the community. Everybody is looking for something to do with their kids,” said Amy, whose drink of choice is an 8-ounce double americano.
The Cup and Muffin, located at 10969 NE State Highway 104, is open seven days a week: Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 5:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information call 360-297-3364.
