POULSBO – From behind a dark, glossy espresso machine, Kay Mork prepares a shot of espresso, soon to be delivered over ice with a dash of cream.

“I always wanted to have a coffee shop,” she says, her barista skills balanced by a bright smile. “It was easy to make the change.”

The walls of Cups Espresso are light in shade, colored the way a latte might look splashed upon canvass. A chrome bicycle sports a silvery, classic horn stands guard above the entryway, and the black and white checkered floor creates a visual pop, seemingly awaiting a lively pair of tap shoes.

Cups Espresso opened for business April 15, after an 18-day renovation and an industry switch for Mork, who previously ran the CoCo Boutique just a few doors down on Poulsbo’s Front Street. She took over Cups from former owner Jim Wise, who ran Checkers Espresso in the space for years. And more than the patterned tiles remain.

An art gallery still speckles the walls, adding a spice of color. Art is cycled there monthly.

“We’re really nice here. Superfriendly. An enthusiastic crowd,” Mork said. “Being able to come down here (downtown) where it’s beautiful is wonderful. The people are great.”

Seven days a week, Cups offers Seattle-roasted Caffe Umbria espresso drinks, ice cream, Two Leaves and a Bud Tea, smoothies and Italian sodas, along with a menu of quiche, stuffed pretzels, grab-and-go sandwiches and in-house baked pastries such as cookies and muffins. Cups offers one gluten-free item each day.

A special ice cream flavor is featured each month, and Mork plans to add a sugar free ice cream selection. Poulsbo Bubblegum, Death by Chocolate and Jolly Rancher Sorbet are a few of the flavors now available, written charmingly in chalk on a decorative menu board.

The shop also sports free Wi-Fi.

Mork runs Cups alongside Bo Blakey, her 13-year-old son Bennett and five employees, one of whom is Miss Viking Fest Lacey Coolbaugh.

During the summer months, Cups will be open until 9 p.m. The shop offers courtyard seating, gift cards, daily specials and treats for their four-legged customers as well.

Follow Cups Espresso on Twitter, at cupsespresso, or call the shop at (360) 697-2559. To learn more about the coffee they use, visit www.caffeumbria.com.