On Sept. 8, 2021, Florence Coffee opened a new location at 3455 MT-200 in East Missoula. This family-run business located all over Western Montana is sure to put a smile on your face. From the sweet baristas that greet you and take your order, to the best coffee that will ever touch your lips, what’s not to love about the new Florence Coffee in East Missoula? 

     Living in Potomac, about thirty minutes east of Missoula, where there are more cows than people, is Montanan’s dream. However, that’s until you realize there is only one gas station/bar and absolutely no coffee shops within 20 miles. As a senior in high school, the days can drag on and on, so having a convenient coffee shop on the route into school is imperative. 

     Until Sept. 8, I only had one coffee shop to choose from on my route to Hellgate High School. While this coffee shop was nice, I missed the smell of Florence Coffee’s Real Pumpkin Lattes and smiling baristas. Plus, the line at this coffee shop would sometimes be incredibly long. 

     When the Florence Coffee at East Missoula opened, I was ecstatic. For the first three days after opening, the shop offered free 12 oz beverages (limited to two drinks per car). And if that deal isn’t appealing, I don’t know what is! So, this became the first time I had a drink at the new location. With it being fall, I felt obligated to order the Real Pumpkin Spice Latte. Unlike the majority of coffee shops, Florence Coffee makes their Pumpkin Spice Lattes with real pumpkin! And if you don’t like coffee, they can also make spiced chai with real pumpkin. The options are endless for drinks at Florence – if you can think it, they can make it. Besides, who doesn’t like to support a Montana, family-run business?

      Of course it’s important to have delicious coffee when you go to a coffee shop, but it’s also important to have good customer service. At this new location, I have experienced nothing but the best customer service. The first couple of times I went to the coffee shop, my barista was none other than Jacinda Hendrix, the mom of Hellgate’s 2021 homecoming queen Keke Davis. She made my mornings phenomenal, made me smile, and while doing all of this, she also made one of the best coffees I have ever had in record speed. 

     As Expedia writes, “Florence Coffee Company is the epitome of Missoula coffee culture.” So, if you are in need of some delicious coffee to get you through the day, I can guarantee that the Florence Coffee shop in East Missoula will not disappoint. From the incredible drinks, the sweet baristas, and how quickly your drink will be made, there is no coffee shop better. Be sure to stop by to witness this yourself, you will not be disappointed.