By Robin Milligan
Kelsey Fixel has lived in the Valley, Wash. area her whole life and says that it is a beautiful place to live and where she feels most at home. Now, since Kelsey and her husband, Mike Fixel, Jr., have opened MK Coffee Station, she is able to work within her beloved community as well.
“I run the day-to-day operations, and we have one incredible employee, Amber Pickens,” Kelsey said. “My sisters help out occasionally, and our whole family plays a part in keeping things running. Our daughters, Mikenna and Kennedy, are often at the shop. They’re becoming little mixologists and love helping out however they can, whether it’s washing dishes or mixing up kid-friendly drinks behind the scenes.”
When asked if her children have their own favorite menu items, Kelsey said, “They do! They’ve definitely got their favorites and are always eager to sample and create new drinks. Mikenna right now is loving ‘Kiss from a Rose’ mocha. A drink consisting of white chocolate with a bit of cherry and rose flavor. Kennedy’s go-to is one of her own creation: the ‘Tooty Fruity.’ I’m honestly not entirely sure what’s all in it, but it’s basically an intricate Italian soda that she makes herself every time. They’re great at giving feedback and keeping things fun, and me on my toes.”
Kelsey’s go-to is a drink called “The Favorite” and is a white chocolate powder mocha with brown sugar cinnamon and cinnamon powder. “I love it Americano style and iced,” Kelsey said. “It’s cozy, smooth, and just feels like home to me,” Kelsey said.
When Kelsey talked about opening the business, she said, “Honestly, it was to prove to myself that I could. It was something that scared me for a long time. I wasn’t sure how I’d pull it off, but the support from our community ‒ and encouragement from the owners of Hometown Fuel ‒ really pushed me forward. They believed in me when I was still full of fear and doubt. I started with MK Mobile Coffee, my vintage Shasta trailer turned espresso stand, and eventually felt ready to take this leap into something more permanent. I trusted the community would show up, and they have, in the most beautiful way.”
According to Kelsey, what makes MK Coffee Station stand out is that everything is personal, intentional, and “made with love.” Kelsey said, “We’re not a chain, and we’re not trying to be. We serve high-quality, handcrafted drinks, but, more than that, we serve connection. People feel like they’re part of something when they stop here. It’s about good coffee, yes, but also about good energy, and being part of a hometown that truly cares for its people.”
Even the location of the MK Coffee Station has significance. “It is set up next to Hometown Fuel, a highly anticipated local gas station run by families who have been pillars of this community for years,” Kelsey said. “They believed in me before I believed in myself. This location brings things full circle for me, back to my roots, and into a space that’s deeply connected to the people I love.”
Their mission: good vibes and good coffee. “That’s what it all comes back to,” Kelsey explained. “My goal is to make MK Coffee Station a place where people feel welcome, seen, and uplifted every single time they stop by. We proudly serve organic coffee from Roast House in Spokane. Their commitment to stainability and quality aligns perfectly with what we believe in.”
Kelsey said she is inspired by her family, “First and foremost, my girls, my husband, my parents – they’ve all shaped me. Also, the people in this community who keep showing up for each other, especially in hard times. I’ve been surrounded by encouragement, kindness, and resilience, and that inspires me every single day. I want them to know how grateful I am. This isn’t just a coffee stand – it’s a dream brought to life by the people around me. It’s taken a village to get here, and I’m so thankful to be serving coffee and connection right here in the town that raised me. Whether you’re coming by for a drink, a locally-made snack, or just to bask in some good energy, you’re always welcome at MK Coffee Station.”
You can find MK Coffee Station on social media or visit them in person for a one-of-a-kind coffee experience from people who love their community, love the Inland Northwest, and love coffee.
Address: 3081 Waits Lake Road, Valley, WA 99181, Facebook & Instagram: @mkcoffeestation Email: [email protected]
Robin Milligan is an artist and entrepreneur living in Spokane, Wash. She curates art shows, runs an IT company, and teaches ceramics and painting from her home studio. When not working, Robin spends her time with her three children exploring nature, rockhounding, making art, and swimming.