Business on the Move: Mill Bay Coffee

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT

It’s time now for the second installment of KMXT’s five-part series: Business on the Move. Each day this week KMXT will feature a local business that is changing things up in 2013.

For almost a decade and a half, Joel and Martine Chenet owned and operated Mill Bay Coffee just outside Kodiak city limits, next to Mill Bay Gas-N-Go. But less than two weeks ago the pair moved the coffee shop to a smaller location on Mill Bay Road. Chef Joel Chenet said despite moving to a busier section of town, the building downsize was intended to generate a slower pace for the shop.

— (Mill Bay 1 :19 “You know I’m getting older and … baking, the catering.”)

Just over a week ago the shop opened up in its new location, nestled between Coastal Creations and Precious Flowers and Gifts. Martine Chenet said she loves the new spot, and emphasized that the location is really the only thing different about the business. She said the shop will continue to serve all of its old favorites.

— (Mill Bay 2 :36 “Basically the same thing that we … us know what you need.”)

She said sit down breakfast is limited because of seating, but homemade pastries, quiche and granola are still available. The duo said they will also continue to offer a full espresso bar and roasted coffee varieties. The space for customers may be limited, but Chef Joel said the larger kitchen will allow him to take on more catering opportunities. As for Mill Bay’s seasonal gourmet dinners, Martine said they will absolutely continue those, but host the dinners in different locations.

— (Mill Bay 3 :20 “Like we’re doing for Valentines … much more reachable.”)

As for the future, neither said what plans they may have for the shop. They did make one thing clear — despite being from France originally, both agreed they intend to stay in Kodiak.

— (Mill Bay 4 :19 “But we’re not going back to Paris … about Kodiak.”)

Both Martine and Joel said they are still adjusting to the new location, and so are their customers. In general they said the feedback on the new location has been good. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.

Tune in to KMXT tomorrow for part three of the series, Business on the Move. KMXT will feature two local businesses that have joined forces in 2013. Stay tuned to hear about the new location of Cactus Flats and La Tienda, and what to expect from the newly-fused shops.

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