I always knew City Perk was at Four Corners, sold locally roasted Java! Java! coffee and I could get free wi-fi and earn free coffee.
The basics you want in your neighborhood coffee shop, but I never took the time to chat with any of the staff, probably because I had not had enough caffeine in my system to hold a coherent conversation.
I decided it was time to change that.
I met the owner Connie at a couple of different events so I randomly called her and asked if she would chat with me for a couple of minutes. Little did I know what a blast I would have!
I’m now sitting here writing this article still laughing and smiling! I had so much fun spending a couple of hours chatting with Connie and her amazing customers and “her girls!” This is how she lovingly refers to her award winning staff — yes, you read correctly, award winning!
Our community has voted Connie’s girls the best baristas in town for the past three years, which is no surprise.
Heather and Katie have worked for Connie for a combined 11 years and know all of their regular customers by name and drink. In fact, I always feel guilty when I drive through in the morning because I always screw up their rhythm.
As a regular you just pull in and your coffee is handed to you with this amazing smile and thank you.
It doesn’t matter which one is working at the window they all feel the same, that their customers should feel this is their second home. Grabbing one of their coffees shouldn’t make you feel like you now have a status symbol when you walk in your office, head to school, etc.
Every time you see their cups they want you to smile and think of it as your home away from home. It truly does have the feel of being at home when you can curl up in front of the fire place with a book and a great cup of coffee, or on our hot summer days enjoy their home made granita, smoothies and fresh strawberry lemonade while you sit outside and relax.
Since 1991 when Connie first opened City Perk — originally called Austin Chase — she wanted to provide the best in customer service, have customers become part of her family, and most importantly be a supporting force for the community.
She has done just that and her customers absolutely love her! I was witness to many of these conversations Tuesday morning.
I loved seeing the smiles on peoples faces when Connie was sitting with me. They could come up and give her a hug, thank her for allowing them to use her shop for a baby shower, or Jason the barber who came in to show us this funny picture he took of us sitting there and just laughing!
It truly is such a great place to just hang out and shop, of course! I love the jewelry, the soaps, pictures, candles, decor and more.
I think I am most excited about the new project we just created for her husband Steve. He is the one that makes the beautiful bird houses you will see in there. But now he is going to be creating pallet jar chandeliers.
Connie and Steve make a point of supporting causes that are close to their hearts.
One of them is our local Susan G. Komen Foundation 3 Day Walk for the Cure team. She works with Tina McDonough, founder of Valley Girls & Guys!, to determine what the team needs each season.
Currently you can go in and see this breathtaking wine barrel that will be part of the auction that is coming up next month.
Throughout the year they continually support the Maple Valley Food Bank along with their customers to provide families with backpacks, Christmas presents, turkey dinners and so much more.
She also opens her doors to anyone who needs a place to do a fundraiser, bible study, Bunco events and more.
During construction at Four Corner Square, where City Perk is located, enter between Dairy Queen and the City Perk building off of Kent-Kangley or come thru from the new Johnson’s building.
City Perk is open Mon. thru Fri. 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun. 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
