Column: Coffee dream comes true for Kelsey Kelsey at Bubba's Brew
White Salmon Native takes her shot, makes one too
Kelsey Kelsey, husband Sam, son William and daughter Elizabeth
By Brittany Drewett
White Salmon, Wash., Feb. 13, 2024 — Dreams, sometimes, come in small packages. Sometimes they cause you to stir.
Either way, White Salmon Native Kelsey Kelsey is taking her shot while brewing a few.
She is the new owner of the cozy cottage across from Harvest Market called Bubba’s Brew, which offers a Kona Mocha and a Huckleberry Bliss.
The hospice nurse has always dreamed of opening her own coffee shop Recently she was approached by the owner of Bubba's Brew, Ashley Dean, and the pair steamed up a deal.
Kelsey will officially take ownership on Friday, Feb. 16.
Much of the business will remain the same as the regulars have grown to love, but there will be new and exciting deals as well. What's better than weekday specials? Weekend specials!
The Fun Zone Maintenance Man, AKA Austin Bell at The Festival of Light near Bubba’s Brew in White Salmon last Halloween.
Kelsey credits her supportive family for making the it possible for her to take over Bubba's Brew in addition to her position as a hospice nurse at Bristol Hospice.
Her husband Sam and their children are her biggest cheerleaders, she said.
Coffee has always been a staple in her life; even more so since becoming a mother, she said. Owning a coffee shop has always been a dream of hers alongside what she felt was her realistic dream of becoming a hospice nurse. She feels that it's not often you get to pursue more than one of your dreams and is very thankful that she has the opportunity to do so.
Kelsey will be working with Ashley to ensure the transition of ownership goes smoothly and everything remains top-notch for their local customers. Ashley has owned Bubba’s Brew for 11.5 years, and she said it was always her first baby.
She purchased the business from Paul Demchuck and family in June 2012.
What’s Kelsey’s favorite drink?
She enjoys a simple cold brew coffee with caramel and 2% milk. If you haven't had the opportunity to try Bubba’s cold brew, now is the perfect time to give it a shot!
Though there are many popular beverages, the most popular drink tends to be the Kona Mocha. However, they are also known for their Huckleberry Bliss. This was the drink I chose during my most recent stop at Bubba's. Something about huckleberry in coffee just hits a little different and it never lets you down!
The service at Bubba’s was spectacular. The employee on shift was knowledgeable, and the drinks were made in record time. Each beverage we ordered was exactly as expected. They also offer white coffee, which is one of my personal favorites!
Not a coffee drinker? Not to worry. Kelsey highly recommends a flavored Red Bull, lotus, smoothie, or tea.
Don't forget the littles when you swing in for a pick-me-up. Bubba's offers Italian sodas, hot chocolate and smoothies for the young and young at heart. My daughter is certainly a fan of their raspberry Italian soda with whip on top. She also loved the heart sticker on her cup.
For those who are worried about the change of ownership, they shouldn't be. Kelsey and Ashley are working together to ensure a smooth transition and Kelsey plans, at this time, to keep all current menu items. She did hint at a few new options as well, so keep your eyes peeled for croissants, matcha and a protein upgrade in blended drinks.
Click this photo to enlarge menu.
Mark your calendars, February 14th will be Customer Appreciation Day at Bubba's Brew. You can stop in and say farewell to Ashley and wish her success on her new venture.
Never fear- all existing punch cards and gift cards will still work after the transition of ownership. Please continue to support Bubba's Brew throughout their transitional period and for years to come!
“Bubba’s has been running in White Salmon for over 20 years. We are very honored to now be a part of the Bubba’s Brew history book. We are so excited to share our new adventure with the community and look forward to serving you all with a smile and kind words.” ~Kelsey Kelsey
“Reflecting back on the last 11.5 years, I'd like to acknowledge the tremendous amount of support this community has shown my family and I. I am confident the Kelsey family will continue the legacy and serve our community for many years to come. Thank you for being a part of the Bubba's Brew family.” ~Ashley Dean
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