New Coffee Hut on JBER is paw-fect for families, pets

Military families on base won’t have to go far to get coffee or caffeine drinks on the go.

Kai's Coffee & Barkery Co. opened a drive-thru coffee shop on base, in the Commissary and Main Exchange parking lots.

The story of Kai’s Coffee & Barkery is a personal one, starting with owners Jeremy and Emily Anderson's move to Alaska in 2021. Their journey began with a heartwarming experience at a local coffee hut, which left a lasting impression on them.

“When we came to the window, the barista that we had treated us as if we were the only folks there and it made our day. They loved our dogs, was very polite and friendly with us. We just had a really good experience. And we wanted to essentially have an opportunity to make that same impact on other people's days as well in our community,” Jeremy Anderson said.

They opened a store in Eagle River in September 2023. One of the unique aspects of Kai’s Coffee is the “barkery” aspect. They make specific treats for dogs, that way both pet and owner can have something special when they come to the purple hut.

As they became successful, Anderson said they started to look for more opportunities and found one at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

“We were looking for an opportunity to have a bigger impact and a community, and JBER presented that opportunity and we decided to make a move.”

The couple closed the hut in Eagle River at the end of May and transported the purple coffee hut to the commissary parking lot on June 7.

One month later, the couple says they have seen a big turnout from regulars and new consumers.

“There's a lot of folks who like to walk to the area. So they've been able to walk up with their dogs, or even cats. A lot of folks have even driven up and parked and just gotten out and walked up to the window and then, just kind of hung around and just relaxed, with their coffee. So it's been enjoyable to see.”

Outside of coffee, lotus, Redbull and other drinks you can typically find at a coffee shop, they sell kolaches and breakfast burritos. Some gourmet dog treats you can buy at the cafe include Lolli-pups, Gourmet Biscuits, K9 Kabobs and Pork Chomps.

Kai’s Cafe is the third drive-thru coffee hut on base. The other two are Soda & Smores, located on the Richardson side, and Over the Moon Coffee Co., located on the Elmendorf side.

According to Anderson, what sets Kai’s apart is their willingness to engage with customers and create an experience that makes them want to come back.

“That's kind of how we set ourselves apart from a lot of other folks. We just take the time to do that, and we do that with each and every order, every single day.”

Anderson says they are already considering participating in events on base. Kai’s is scheduled to have a tent at the Air Show on July 20 and July 21.

There will be a Grand Opening for the coffee hut on July 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Main Exchange. Anderson said they are planning on doing giveaways and raffles for gift cards and free treats as part of the ribbon-cutting celebration.

“If people want to come by and celebrate that with us, we would love to to have that opportunity to do that with the community.”