Bright Businesses: Addicted to the Bean

The name that says it all – Addicted to the Bean. A place for addicts to feed their coffee habits on John's Pass and create their own: coconut-mocha frappe with caramel drizzle and a chocolate swirl.

From flavored frappes to black espressos, customers can have their coffee any way or any blend. Addicted to the Bean also makes fresh fruit smoothies, steamed hot chocolate, freshly baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and sells Stefano's Gelato ice cream. Certified fair trade and organic coffees and teas are also available.

Addicted to the Bean was previously owned for a year before Jeff Rumpley and his partner, Dane Karcher, purchased the coffee shop. Jeff and Dane, both involved in corporate business for over a decade, wanted “a change of pace” and moved from Delaware to start their own business. Dane returned a year later, but is still involved in the business.

“The name was already established when we bought the coffee shop,” Jeff said. “I wish I could take credit for it.” 

They added Elizabeth Lang's collection of fish art rubbings, and other fish décor by local artists to better suit the coastal atmosphere on John's Pass. Jeff enjoys fishing, but doesn't get to go much since the coffee shop is run by him and his wife, Laura, which they don't mind.

Not only are Jeff and Laura both coffee-lovers, drinking about four cups a day, their love for coffee brought them together. Laura, originally from Canada, was visiting John's Pass with her sister in November 2009, when they discovered the place to get their coffee fix, Addicted to the Bean. Every morning for a week they went to the coffee shop.

Both Jeff and Laura were focussed on their careers and not looking to date. But Jeff knew there was something special, so he wrote his number on her coffee cup. Laura thought he mixed up her cup with her sister, but soon realized the number was for her.

"I'm still his best customer,” Laura said.

As usual, Laura and her sister went to the coffee shop the next morning. After talking for a few hours, Jeff and Laura realized they had a lot in common. Laura returned home the next day and kept in touch. A few months later, they were engaged.

Still living in Canada, Laura came to surprise Jeff for his birthday. “I am still here from the surprise visit,” Laura said. They got married a week later at the court house, and have been together ever since.

Laura bakes pastries for the store and Jeff makes her coffee.

Four months ago the coffee house began selling Addicted to the Bean merchandise. Since launch, men's and women's T-shirts and coffee mugs have been the top sellers. From $6.95 tote bags to $14.95 tank tops, a variety of merchandise can be purchased both online and in store.

Free wi-fi is available for customer use.

Addicted to the Bean is located on 152 129^th Avenue West on John's Pass. Standard hours are Monday – Saturday 8a.m. to 6p.m. and Sunday 9a.m. to 6p.m.