School House Coffee is in session

Moses Lake teacher indulges in her passion with new stand

MOSES LAKE — Pam Happer's profession stands out, even in her passion.

A math and physical education teacher at Discovery Elementary, Happer's drive-through coffee stand on Broadway Avenue Extended is decorated to look like a schoolhouse, complete with a bell tower on top.

Even the name denotes her calling: School House Coffee.

"Being a teacher and also subbing in the school district, I just know so many people in the teaching profession," Happer said. "And I thought, 'Hey, let's make it School House Coffee.'"

The coffee shop opened Oct. 7.

Born and raised in Moses Lake, Happer moved away for about 12 years before returning five years ago.

Before staying at home with her children for eight years, Happer was a teacher. When she returned to Moses Lake, she was uncertain about whether she would teach again.

"Coffee's always been kind of a passion of mine," she said. "And I didn't like any of the local coffees that much."

So Happer wanted to open a stand of her own.

"It's just the taste and consistency," she said. "Every time you come through, I hope it's the same taste, the same cup of coffee a year before."

The coffee stand offers Ellensburg-based D&M Coffee.

While purchasing the facility and fixing it up, Happer applied for substitute teaching jobs, landing a full-time job in the process.

"Put this on the back burner for a year and a half, two years," she said. "That's why people have seen it sitting here for so long."

Happer balances the coffee business with her full-time position. With School House Coffee open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Happer employs one full-time employee and two part-time workers.

Customer response was a little slow at first, but people are gradually realizing the stand is open, Happer said. She hopes the stand is successful enough to stay open, because she plans to work full time during the summer.

"It's been OK," she said. "Definite support from Discover Elementary. It's been so nice and so positive from several of the schools and the teachers, so that's been a great beginning."