MILLER BAY — The name of the newest espresso stand “Catch A Buzz!” is ironic in that it’s located on the 50 mph turn of Miller Bay Road, in front of Bay Marine.
But owners Charles and Debbie Smith want to change that.
Charles said he plans to talk to the county about reducing the posted speed limit, so people will slow down around the corner.
“We thought the corner was definitely a fast corner and not traffic friendly,” Charles said. “But if we have people getting boats out of here, it’s no different getting coffee than getting a boat.”
Aside from setting up shop in front of the popular boat shop, the couple also found out that 7,000 cars drive by each day. This piece of information has given the Smiths high hopes that the stand will succeed.
With their efforts, the couple aims to offer the best service and coffee they can in an area that surprisingly lacks an espresso stand within several miles.
“It just kind of happened,” Charles said about starting the business. “We knew we wanted to do a business of some sort.”
The Buzz has been open since the end of September, selling coffee, various sausages, quick breakfast foods, soda, juice and even the popular energy drink Red Bull.
“It’s easy to do. At least during the summer, I figure there will be a few customers,” he said with a chuckle, noting the high volume of boat traffic he expects to take place.
They also offer advance ordering. The Smiths suggest customers drop off their mug at night and the baristas will fill it up the next morning, ready for pick up.
“We want to be different than other drive-thrus,” Charles said. “We want to go one step further — have it ready before they get here.”
The stand is located on the grassy patch between the two driveways for Bay Marine. The couple also hopes to establish a patio and sitting area at the site in the future.
“Make the area unique,” Charles said.
As for the name, it didn’t come from that fast corner — Debbie had a brainstorming session with her co-workers at her job with the Washington State Ferry system.
“The buzz that you get from drinking espresso — catch a buzz on the way to catch a ferry,” she explained.
