Coffee Roasting, Brewing in Dewey

In his quest to make great coffee, Jim Dykstra has built relationships with coffee farmers outside of the

country. Photo by Brent Ruffner

Elevation Coffee Brewing in Dewey

By Brent Ruffner, QCBN

Jim Dykstra is a coffee connoisseur.

His zest for coffee led him to open his own cafe, Elevation Coffee, which debuted in Dewey on Dec. 15.

But that desire for the perfect cup of joe didn’t happen overnight.

In 2015, he started roasting with some green coffee beans and a popcorn popper. That experimental process eventually helped him cut back on his regular coffee expenses.

“I did it just for myself,” Dykstra said. “I was spending way too much money on coffee, buying from all these places around the United States.”

Dykstra and his wife, Kam, decided to open the Dewey coffee shop, 12075 E. State Route 69, Suite F, after moving from Columbus, Ohio in Dec. 2018.

The coffee shop offers its customers a range of products, from cold-brew coffee to blended drinks such as matcha, an organic antioxidant drink with a tea base. The business also offers scratch-made baked goods daily and signature panini sandwiches.

Dykstra, 62, retired from his day job and opened the cafe after learning about the available property through his son, who has a neighboring business. He previously worked for Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc., where he was responsible for orders arriving to customers on time.

The Dewey resident says the roasting process wasn’t easy at first. He said the experimentation helped him craft the right recipe. Dykstra would log entries in a smartphone application to build graphs so he could duplicate temperatures and develop a precise method. And then he duplicated it for his favorites such as Central American and African coffees. He shared samples and small batches with friends and co-workers.

“It doesn’t cost anything,” Dykstra said. “I mean, it’s $29 bucks [for a popcorn popper] and you are roasting your own coffee, right? That’s kind of why. Then, you learn. Well, then you realize there are limitations. I can’t do enough for a week’s supply. I can only do enough for, like, the next day.”

Now, Dykstra said he strives to make “great” coffee each day. He bought premium equipment to help him and his staff adhere to a specific standard. For example, his coffee compact grinder runs with fans to help cool as it’s grinding the beans. His espresso machine is durable and delivers a robust flavor.

The business differentiates itself by having relationships with farmers and importers outside the U.S. to help ensure the company gets the freshest ingredients. Dykstra said he built contacts through research on the internet and attending industry webinars.

So far, his approach is working to attract customers. He estimates the business has received 300 positive reviews on social media, which have helped promote the Dewey cafe.

He said the gradual growth will help his employees work together like a symphony with few mistakes along the way. “It’s allowed us the opportunity to improve our processes,” he said.

Dykstra said meeting customers’ expectations is paramount to helping the business grow. His wife agrees.

“We don’t treat people like a number,” said Kam. “Perceptions are important. [Elevation Coffee] needs to be a place where it feels like home to them.” QCBN

Kam and Jim Dykstra opened Elevation Coffee in

Dewey on Dec. 15. Photo by Brent Ruffner

Brad Newman is the executive director of Yavapai Exceptional Industries. Photo by Ray Newton

myfunoldies.com YEI Constructing Two Group Homes in Prescott Valley

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By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more than 45 years, Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI) has served hundreds of Yavapai County developmentally impaired adults. YEI provides a network of jobs and career opportunities and also, for those who qualify, group homes with an emphasis on independent living.

Currently, two group homes are under construction. YEI Executive Director Brad Newman says both will be within walking distance of the YEI Antelope Point Industries plant, located at Eastridge in Prescott Valley, where many YEI personnel work. Several new job opportunities are expected to be available there soon.

Newman expressed appreciation to Sterling Ranches Family Homes in PV for helping him plan the two 4,850-square-foot homes. Each will have living quarters for six single adults. Newman said it is the biggest undertaking YEI has undertaken.

Since its founding in the mid-1970s, YEI has grown into an organization that serves almost 200 people a year, ranging in age from 18 to the mid-80s. QCBN

Public Events on Prescott City Property Paused

The City of Prescott has announced that it will pause approval of public events on city property for 90 days, a decision that took effect Dec. 23. Any public event scheduled within the 90-day window will not be approved by the city. This action is in response to the continuing high case count of COVID-19 and the stress on hospital capacity in the Prescott area, as well as the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-059, prohibiting public events with more than 50 people in attendance, unless the local jurisdiction approves the event.

The Recreation Services Department, which approves public events on city property, will review conditions every 30 days, and will be prepared to begin approving events, if the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-059 is rescinded, or if the City and County believe public events can be held safely.

Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli shared his support for the measure. “This is the right decision at this time,” said Mengarelli. “Large public events and gatherings require additional police and fire protection. We do not believe this is the best allocation of these resources during this pandemic. I want to thank event organizers like the Whiskey Row Boot Drop, and the MLK March, for voluntarily canceling their upcoming events as well.”

For information about city events, go to Prescott-AZ.gov, and select calendar from the home page. QCBN