Coffee, gifts available in Hot Springs

The Hot Springs coffee shop previously known as Coffee Hound has been reopened as Bru Coffee by owner Lori Tapani. Tapani recently moved back to Montana from Washington. Bru Coffee opened its door on February 5 in the Wall Street Building at 101 Wall Street.

"I grew up in Hot Springs but was living in Battleground, Washington. Years ago I almost opened a coffee shop there, but just before signing a lease, I found out I was pregnant." Tapani said she opted to not take on a business at that time. Her daughter, now 11, and her 8-year-old son help out at her long-awaited dream shop on Saturdays.

"My goal is to move back to Hot Springs. We currently live in Kalispell," Tapani said. Her daughter has created sensory garden boxes that are located in the lobby. The coffee shop has gift boxes and other items such as mugs and hats. One specialty item is the sourdough starter bags and complete sourdough kits. Both Tapani and her sister Lindsey Kuoppala, from Hot Springs, make sourdough bread. Kuoppala is an employee at the shop and was instrumental in encouraging Tapani to open the business. The other employee is Maddy Homola, also from Hot Springs.

"Opening week was a bit chaotic but things are going well," Tapani said, explaining that she wanted to provide a spot for community members to sit, have wifi available and relax. The options for doing that include specialty coffees, pastries and other food items. "White chocolate mochas are a favorite, along with lotus drinks. I order baked goods from Seattle's Favorite that bake fresh daily and ship the same day. Wholesale from Kalispell provides for us as well." Tapani's menu will include lunch items such as pizza, chicken burritos and croissant sandwiches.

"The community has been so welcoming and supportive. I am amazed at the warm welcome we have received from this town." Tapani said she is accepting applications from anyone interested in applying. "They can stop by and pick one up."

The shop hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Find out more at http://www.brucoffee.com or on Facebook at @brucoffeemt. The shop can be reached by phone at (406)741-2580.