KELLOGG – A new coffee house in uptown Kellogg has locals buzzing, both literally and figuratively. 

Mountain Gem Coffee Bar opened last week to much fanfare, with lines stretching out the front door and onto the sidewalks of Main Street. 

Veteran barista Haley Lannen has worked in the coffee business for more than 10 years. While she enjoyed her time at various coffee shops, she often found herself wondering whether she could successfully run one of her own. 

A few months ago, she decided to take the leap. 

Drawing on her deep knowledge of both the coffee industry and Kellogg's business community, Lannen secured a location she believed would best serve local residents. So far, that instinct has paid off. 

"I just love it," Lannen said. "Over the years, I watched so many younger baristas leave the industry and get adult jobs, but I just loved doing it." 

Like many coffee enthusiasts, Lannen spent years visiting coffee shops and mentally cataloging the things she liked and didn't like. 

The space at 308 Main St. had previously housed a bakery, making the transition to a coffee shop easier than it might have been elsewhere. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a charming courtyard that Lannen already has plans to expand upon. 

"It was basically move-in ready," she said. "Stands are fun, but here I have the opportunity to make quality coffee and products in a place where people can gather and enjoy them together." 

Currently, Mountain Gem's menu features standard coffee shop fare, including Red Bull, Zip Fizz and Lotus energy drinks, bagels, fresh-baked pastries and acai bowls. The acai bowls have quickly become a customer favorite, routinely selling out before the end of the day despite being on the menu for only a week. 

Lannen has also assembled a small staff that includes several former baristas who share her passion for both the products and the community, something she holds close. 

Throughout the process, Lannen has prioritized becoming a fixture in the community and values customer interaction, perhaps even more than revenue. 

"Getting to know your customers and what they like is my favorite part of this whole thing," Lannen said. "Building relationships over coffee is so cool because I get to learn about them, their kids, spouses, and pets. They're my favorite part." 

Uptown Kellogg has slowly been gaining momentum on the commercial front, and Mountain Gem is the latest business hoping to put down roots. Lannen sees plenty of potential for both her shop and neighboring businesses and looks forward to playing a role in the area's continued revitalization. 

"It's a challenge for sure," she said. "It's not easy to go into coffee in today's world without a drive-thru, but I love uptown Kellogg. I would love to be a staple here." 

Mountain Gem Coffee Bar is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, including weekly specials, visit its Facebook and Instagram pages. 

    Mountain Gem barista Madi Marek takes an order from Taylor Fischer and her two sons during the grand opening of the new coffee shop.