By Loren Grube

 

Kelsey Fixel’s journey into the coffee industry happened by chance. In 2016, when her financial aid position at Carrington College was cut, she stopped by the Loon Lake Coffee Shop, and the owner gave her a job. 

“Erica took a chance on me and gave me my first opportunity in the coffee world — something I’ll always be grateful for,” she said.

 

 

After working there a few years, Fixel started dreaming of having her own business and in 2019 launched MK Mobile Coffee. The initials stand for Mike (her husband) and Kelsey as well as her children Mikenna and Kennedy. She converted a vintage camp trailer into a mobile espresso stand and her business quickly gained traction at local football games and at Siemers Farm in Greenbluff. 

 

 

During the summer, Fixel often served coffee at Valley Fair and Dawn’s Memorial Park as well as for employee appreciation events and vendor events like Market in the Mountains. Her goal was to bring good vibes and good coffee to the community she loved. 

 

 

Her next business opportunity came by the encouragement of the Metivier and Dawson families, owners of Hometown Fuel, the new gas station in Valley. Since they had extra room in the building, they talked with Kelsey about leasing the space for her coffee business. 

 

 

Kelsey was thrilled at the opportunity and named her new business MK Coffee Station, which offers a variety of coffee drinks and food options through a convenient drive-through window. 

 

 

“The Dawson and Metivier families have been pillars of this community for many years, and I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for their support,” she said.

 

 

MK Coffee Station opened in February. Kelsey said the response from her community was nothing short of amazing, and that “the energy, excitement, and overwhelming support made the day truly special.” 

 

 

Background

Kelsey was born and raised in Valley and attended Valley School District through eighth grade and then went on to graduate from Mary Walker High School in Springdale in 2010. It was there she met her best friend and now husband, Mike Fixel Jr.

 

 

After high school, Kelsey attended college, married Mike in 2013, and welcomed their first child in 2015. They were living in Spokane at the time, but quickly realized they wanted to raise their family in the country and moved back home to Valley.

Vision

“My vision for MK Coffee Station is for it to grow and thrive, not just as a business but as a meaningful part of our community,” she said. “I want to create more job opportunities, provide internships for local students, and continue supporting the Valley Fair and our school. More than just great coffee, I hope this becomes a place where people feel a true sense of belonging and connection — a spot where everyone is welcome, and the energy is always uplifting. At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to serve ‘good vibes and good coffee’ as a way of giving back to the community I love so much.”

The menu

MK Coffee Station offers expertly crafted coffee beverages and organic Roast House coffee, served hot, iced, or blended. In addition, they offer handcrafted energy drinks, refreshing smoothies, Italian sodas, and premium teas. To complement their drinks, they serve freshly made pastries, hearty bagel sandwiches, protein-packed egg bites, and Protein Pucks — perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. 

 

Plus, the signature drink menu is sure to please, featuring unique flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else! Their goal is to provide fast and convenient service for busy customers.

Behind the scenes

Kelsey operates her new business with the help of her good friend, Amber. Her sisters, who have previous barista experience, are ready to step up as needed. As the business grows, they look forward to adding more team members and creating new job opportunities. Her husband Mike and daughters will be working behind the scenes. 

 

“My girls are becoming quite the little mixologists and are eager to help however they can,” she said.

Kelsey’s sister, Kylea, has been helping in the bar when needed. She also runs Kelsey’s kids around and babysits to keep everything running smoothly. 

 

Mike is the “handiest man I know” and an incredibly skilled mechanic turned jack-of-all-trades,  said Kelsey.

“When he’s not driving trains for the railroad, he’s helping run the business, managing our household, and supporting our homeschooling journey. It’s truly a family effort!”

 

Open Hours & Contact Info.

MK Coffee Station is located at 3081 Waitts Lake Road in Valley and is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The best way to reach them is in person or via social media — @mkcoffeestation on Facebook or Instagram.