There is nothing like a sweet treat and a divine drink. No matter what the Grays Harbor weather is throwing your way—winter storm or summer meltdown—DJ’s Coffee & Bubble Waffles in Hoquiam has just the right concoction to fill you up and brighten your mood. Native Harborites Michelle and Chad Lawson are proud to serve you your favorite coffee drink or introduce you to your new favorite treat, bubble waffles!
Opened on April 5, 2021, DJ’s Coffee & Bubble Waffles is the passion child of the Lawsons, who started the company as a legacy of love. “My mom was the one who first trained me as a barista, and she sadly passed away when I was 18,” explains Michelle, whose career in coffee spans almost a decade. “She always wanted to open her own coffee shop, and I’ve wanted to open my own place for a few years now. So, I decided to open a coffee stand in memory of my mom, Denna Jean. The stand is named after her, Denna Jean’s Coffee, and DJ’s has worked out as a perfect nickname! I know she would love it!”
That decade of coffee-making expertise has contributed to the immediate success of DJ’s, as Michelle made sure to pass along her knowledge to the rest of her team. The most important thing when making coffee? Consistency! We all want our favorite drink to taste the same each time we order it. “I train all our baristas to make consistent drinks and do my best to pass on all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years,” shares Michelle. “Our goal is to provide the best possible customer service and make the best drinks according to their liking. We always fix or remake a drink if a customer isn’t happy with it!”
She’s definitely doing something right, as the little coffee stand in Hoquiam already has quite a following on their Facebook page, where they advertise their seasonal specials such as Samoa and Thin Mint Girl Scout cookie drinks, made with real Girl Scout cookies and a homemade Samoa or Thin Mint whipped cream. You can try these hot, iced or blended.
Another seasonal favorite? A strawberry shortcake drink with real strawberry puree, a piece of real shortcake on top and of course whipped cream! “Over the years of my barista experience, I’ve saved many ideas and recipes for specialty drinks,” explains Michelle when asked how she comes up with all the fun specials. “Many new ideas come along as well! Our baristas also try out new flavors and come up with some amazing new drinks! It’s a lot of fun to create crazy and fun drinks with all the extra toppings! Who doesn’t love extra toppings?”
While their seasonals change, they have a slew of favorites on their menu every day, whether you are a coffee, fruit or energy drink lover—DJ’s Coffee has you covered! And this includes having many dairy milk alternatives, including almond milk, unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk and hemp milk. They even have heavy whipping cream and sugar free flavors for keto-friendly drinks!
Bubbling with Excitement for Bubble Waffles
Who doesn’t want a sweet treat to pair with their coffee? Michelle decided to offer bubble waffles at her stand, something you don’t see often. “Bubble waffles are a traditional treat in Hong Kong, also known as an egg waffle or puff waffle,” explains Michelle. “They’re a little sweeter like a waffle cone, lightly crispy on the outside and soft and warm in the middle. You break off a bite size bubble and dip it in your choice of our six different sauces: Nutella, berries and cream, fluffernutter, raspberry jam, maple syrup, and salted caramel sweet foam.” These warm treats are made right there in the stand, fresh every day.
For other pastries, Michelle keeps it local by offering treats from Brass Hub in Cosmopolis. These fresh items are available only while supplies last, so get there early! They often have a variety including classic coffee cake, strawberry cheesecake sweet rolls, and gluten free triple berry white chocolate scones. DJ’s Coffee will also carry their seasonal items occasionally as well.
“We opened DJ’s Coffee in the middle of COVID, thankfully with all of the support we had this was possible!” Michelle shares. “But since we’ve only been open a year we don’t even know what it’s like outside of COVID yet! We’re grateful though to be through the worst of it and hopefully be getting back to normal and learning what that’s like with a business. Who knows what doors and opportunities may open! We have a great support system with our family and friends, and have a great team of baristas.”
So next time you are in the mood for a pick-me-up, head to DJ’s Coffee & Bubble Waffles in Hoquiam, you won’t be disappointed. Not sure what to order? Try a customer favorite like cinnamon dolce latte, horchata latte, purple daze with ube cold foam, blended smores, blended Butterfinger, or a jolly rancher, Caribbean, galaxy, peachy ring, or shark attack spritzers with Lotus or Red Bull. Have little ones with you? Ask them make a drink kid friendly!
