What started as a small coffee cart has grown into three locations for Jump Start Espresso, with construction of a new coffee shop on the horizon.
The Federal Way business recently opened its third location in the Twin Lakes neighborhood at 3440 SW 320th St.
“We’ve been wanting to be on this side of Federal Way ever since we opened,” said Stephanie Papke.
Owners and twin sisters Stephanie and Mykel Papke grew up along the Kent/Federal Way city border, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. Jump Start Espresso opened in 1998.
The Twin Lakes location brings the twin sister’s local brand into the west side of Federal Way; their two other locations anchor the east side of the city at 29005 Military Road S. and 27404 Pacific Highway S.
There’s a lack of both coffee and competition in Twin Lakes, Stephanie Papke added.
“We’ve been eyeing this exact location for about 15 years,” said Mykel Papke of the new shop.
In the late 2000s, Mykel sought out the space, following up every few years to see if their business could finally land a spot in the Twin Lakes Plaza.
“Finally, we got a response from someone and it ended up being our original property manager from when we opened 22 years ago,” Mykel Papke said.
Jump Start Espresso is about familiarity, they explained, from the coffee to the friendly faces of their dedicated employees. The sisters agreed they feel a part of the fabric that makes up Federal Way’s community. The business also frequently gives back to the community through donations to local schools and charities.
“We’ve built a family around this business in Federal Way,” Stephanie Papke said.
With the announcement of their new location, several Twin Lakes residents aid they were exited to have a Jump Start location “in their neighborhood.”
Formerly the longtime location of a dry cleaning business, the coffee shop offers a drive-thru in addition to their walk-up coffee counter and limited seating. Sweet treats, breakfast pastries and homemade dog treats are also available.
Annie’s Lunch Counter, previously housed at the Pacific Highway location, is set to move operations to the Twin Lakes coffee shop to offer homemade soups and sandwiches beginning March 1.
Jump Start Espresso prioritizes partnering with minority and women-owned businesses, building their own network of small businesses to support.
“It’s the faces, the genuine connection, and that familiarity,” Stephanie Papke said. “I think we’re the only ones still doing this, building genuine connection with people.”
Something new is brewing
While the new coffee shop puts Jump Start Espresso on the map in Twin Lakes, the business is planning to plant roots in the neighborhood.
Jump Start is in the planning and permitting stage of building a new stand-alone coffee shop in the vacant lot behind the Twin Lakes coffee shop.
The new building will offer a drive-thru, a walk-up coffee counter and a golfer-friendly patio for lunch or a mid-game beverage. An opening date is projected for late summer.
After running coffee shops for over 20 years, Mykel Papke said, they know exactly what is needed for successful functionality.
“We think it could be our very best location yet,” Stephanie Papke said.
Jump Start Espresso in Twin Lakes is at 3440 SW 320th St. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
From left, manager Stefanie Reynaud, owner Mykel Papke and owner Stephanie Papke smile in front of the Jump Start Espresso coffee shop in Twin Lakes. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
Jump Start Espresso in Twin Lakes is at 3440 SW 320th St. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
