New life is coming to Cycle & Coffee on Leary: Highland Espresso just opened today at 4013 NW Leary Way.
Cycle & Coffee closed in January after the owners said the costs of doing business in Seattle had become too high to remain open.
Highland Espresso on Leary is owner Lauren Ruiz’s second location; she also operates a drive-thru coffee stand in Montesano with the same name. Ruiz, 24, says she met the owner of Cycle & Coffee while they were still open, and says they reached out to her when they planned to close.
“Owning a small business in today’s market is really tough and I was super excited to bring back such an awesome community space to the area!” Ruiz told My Ballard, adding that she’s been working in the coffee industry for eight years.
“I didn’t come from much and wanted a different future for my family. I’ve always had the drive to work hard and become my own boss while being a positive role model for the young girls working for me, teaching them to become business owners!” Ruiz said.
Ruiz has been running her Montesano location for two years.
“I took over a run-down location and turned it into a fun work environment for employees, and a place where everyone feels welcome to come grab a coffee and chat with the workers. I want customers to feel like more than a dollar sign, and I feel like I’ve really achieved that.”
Highland will have an indoor seating area and a drive-thru, with plans to include food options in the near future.
Photo courtesy Lauren Ruiz