Meet Kassi Allen, a lifetime local, owner of Anchored Coffee Company and a passionate advocate for first responders in North Idaho.

1) Why and when did you create Anchored Coffee Company and Bakery, and what is the heart of your company?

I launched Anchored Coffee Company in March 2018 at the corner of Dalton and Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene, transforming a former Mexican drive-up into a thriving community hub. With a decade of experience managing coffee operations — and being the daughter of a fallen Idaho State Patrol trooper — my vision was clear: Coffee is just the vehicle, but serving and supporting first responders is the heart of the business. Anchored’s mission is to be a brand of positivity and service, baked from scratch every day with quality, connection and gratitude at its core.

2) What Anchored news and events do you have to share at this time?

Anchored is celebrating the grand opening of its fifth location at North Fourth Street and Birch Avenue in midtown Coeur d’Alene, featuring walk-up service, cozy seating and a conference room for rentals — officially open as of last week. On top of daily business, my team and I team actively host fundraisers and community events, including numerous drives and supports for local first responders through the Dalton stand. The bakery location in Post Falls hosts baking classes Saturdays. Sign up on the events tab of the website: anchoredcoffeecompany.com. I have had such a high demand for my recipes that I am slowly releasing them for sale on the website as well.

3) What is the Red & Blue Foundation, and why did you become involved in this organization?

The Red & Blue Foundation is a North Idaho nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders, especially those injured, battling illness or fallen in the line of duty. They offer relief grants, scholarships and confidential mental health assistance. I joined because my core mission at Anchored aligns with theirs: Caring for the men and women who serve and protect. I bring my passion and leadership to the board to help strengthen these vital community ties.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Though I channel a bold, take-charge energy through my business and philanthropic work, my background includes managing large retail operations and helping streamline multiple area businesses before founding Anchored. On top of my professional life, I'm a wife, mother of three and daughter of a fallen trooper — a balancing act that many may not realize fuels both my community-first spirit and fierce work ethic. This drive has taken me down south to conferences hosted by Echelon Front, where I participated in Navy Seal-structured morning muster, growing my leadership skills in a very tactical way. Anchored’s growth is based on accountability in leadership.

5) Through your work as a business owner of Anchored Coffee Company and a Red & Blue Foundation board member, what is your vision for North Idaho — why do you do what you do?

I envision a North Idaho where strong community bonds are forged through service, focus on mental health and genuine care. Anchored exists not only to offer fresh-baked goods and ethically roasted local coffee, but to be a vessel for building relationships — with customers, first responders and other local businesses. Through my board work with the Red & Blue, I aim to expand mental health resources, scholarships and support services for first responders and their families. Ultimately, I do what I do because service — especially to those who serve us — is my anchor.