Coffeehouse provides social fix

April 13, 2009 | Written by Mary Grace Felton

A recent Saturday morning in March began with a trip to the grand opening of Scooter’s Coffeehouse in Lenexa, Kan.

Scooter’s is not the traditional coffeehouse-- no jazz music, no dimmed lights. The shop is filled with large windows and plays upbeat, pop music. Although Scooter’s is not a traditional coffeehouse, it may be what the younger generation is looking for. The drink menu is not large, but the food is scrumptious.

The atmosphere is what stands out at this coffee shop. Unlike other coffeehouses, Scooter’s has a separate gathering room, which opens up from the main lobby. The isolation of the gathering room makes it quieter than the front of the store. This allows customers to relax or read in the open and spacious atmosphere.

Teri Reynolds, owner, said her store has the biggest layout of any Scooter’s in the Kansas City area.Reynolds planned for her own coffee shop long before Lenexa’s Scooter’s opened. She first studied business management at MidAmerica Nazarene and earned her undergraduate degree.

Reynolds knew she wanted her business to be a coffeehouse because of the fast-paced nature.
“I wanted something that was more fun, and I like to be active,” Reynolds said. And she definitely keeps moving. On this particular morning, she was bustling behind the counter, making drinks, taking orders, talking to a radio station and being interviewed.

Before owning her own store, Reynolds worked as a barista at another Scooter’s Coffeehouse. Her history with Scooter’s, she said, was why she purchased the franchise instead of owning her own private business. The sunny store is an inviting place to meet friends. If you’re looking for a caffeine jolt, there may be other options for a more robust taste.

However, Scooter’s is an excellent place to socialize. I would recommend taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi while enjoying one of the delicious blueberry muffins.

Contact Mary Grace Felton, correspondent, at mfelton1@stumail.jccc.edu.