Where Renee knows your name

COEUR d'ALENE - Two customers arrive at the same time, one at each drive-up window on a Wednesday morning.

The owner of Renee's Espresso & Delivery grins and goes to work.

"Hi Wendy," Renee Bordelon-Lovell says to one driver, and then quickly turns to the other and says, "Hi John, I'll be right with you. Do you want your special, nonfat?"

Within a few minutes, Bordelon-Lovell creates two steaming coffee drinks, all the while continuing running conversations with both customers. As she hands them off, she thanks both Wendy and John and wishes them a great day.

"Hope we see you soon," she says, again with a smile.

With a moment to prepare before the next car rolls up, Bordelon-Lovell explains that great service and products, and knowing her clients, is critical to her business, to keep customers coming back.

Wendy, she says, goes to the gym and then stops by the coffee stand near Fred Meyer and Hippo Car Wash.

"People want their coffee and they go to where they know who's going to make their coffee," said the 2006 Lake City High School graduate.

The Coeur d'Alene native is the daughter of Joe and Patty Bordelon. She went to Fernan Elementary and Lakes Middle School. She played volleyball at LCHS, North Idaho College and Washington State, where she was a two-year starter as setter and helped guide the team to the NCAA tournament her senior year. She graduated in 2009 with bachelor's degree in sociology.

She was hired at Lean Bean her junior year in high school and continued there during college breaks. The coffee business, she decided, was what she wanted to do in her hometown.

"It's my passion, I love it," the 23-year-old said. "I want to be here."

When Shotzy's became available, she bought it, finalizing the deal last month.

"I believe this stand needed a new beginning filled with experience, good customer service, and of course, good coffee," she said.

Already, she has changed the name and the coffee to Thomas Hammer. People have noticed her dedication to details. Regulars are stopping by, and new customers come in each day.

"I've taken one day off since I've been open and don't know when my next one is, but I love being here," she said.

Bordelon-Lovell, who is married to Joe Lovell, considers herself a "first-time entrepreneur" and likes the way things are going. She works most mornings and has two employees for afternoons.

Renee's Espresso & Delivery can swiftly serve up a latte, mocha, cappuccino or macchiato or Americano. There are bagels, breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos available.

While she admits there's no shortage of coffee stands in Coeur d'Alene, she's confident she'll succeed. Specialty coffee drinks are one of those treasured treats that sells well despite any economic woes.

"People don't give up their coffee when times are hard," she said.

Good employees, consistent coffee and friendly service make a difference when drivers are deciding where to pull in and order a double-shot latte.

Her coffee conviction is such that she hopes to open more stands.

"It's a lot of hours, a lot of work. I believe these are successful when they are owner operated," Bordelon-Lovell said. "I think the owner has to be in here."

Hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends.