Choteau resident Payge (DeLaurenti) Guenzler has embarked on an exciting new venture as a small business owner. Having opened Cheers Coffee Co. in April, she operates a delightful coffee drive-through from her home located at 12 Third Ave. SW. This establishment not only highlights Guenzler’s passion for coffee but also aims to bring joy to the local community.
The new coffee shop is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Customers can reach Cheers at 406-241-3349 and follow the shop on Instagram (@cheerscoffeeco.406) or Facebook at Cheers Coffee Co.
Choteau resident Payge Guenzler has opened Cheers Coffee Co., a new drive-in coffee shop, outside her home at 12 Third Ave. SW.
At Cheers Coffee Co., Guenzler offers an array of beverages including espresso drinks, Lotus and Red Bull energy drinks, dirty sodas, and Brazilian lemonade. She is also in the process of introducing snacks and food sourced from Montana. Dirty sodas, a local favorite, combine soda with flavored syrups and creamers, while Brazilian lemonade offers a unique tart twist created from lime juice and sweetened condensed milk. Prices for drinks range from $3 to $7.
Guenzler plans to develop specialty breakfast options inspired by French and Italian cuisine, aiming to offer something distinct that currently isn’t available at other local cafes and coffee shops.
Originally from Ronan, Guenzler spent her college summers working as a barista and bartender, where she cultivated her love for crafting innovative beverages and mastering the art of espresso. Earning dual bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology and K-12 physical education, she later joined Choteau as a junior high history teacher and a high school P.E. teacher and eventually became the assistant athletic director.
After the birth of her son, she made the decision to leave teaching and focus on raising her family. She and her husband, Levi, have two children, Oscar, age 3, and Rozetta, age 2, alongside Levi’s older children, Cambri, age 15, and Rhett, age 12.
“My children and I have shared many ‘Cheers’ after I have made their ‘coffees’ (steamers) and my own from our at home espresso machine,” Guenzler shared in an email. “After being a stay-at-home mom for the last couple years, I decided to make the dream of having my own coffee shop a reality. I have always wanted to become a business owner, while continuing to raise my children at home. We rebuilt and converted this 1978 Prowler camper into a coffee trailer from scratch.”
The vintage 17-foot-long Prowler serves as an inviting backdrop for Cheers Coffee Co. Customers can conveniently pull off the highway and place their orders from the camper through a sliding window.
Guenzler, along with her husband and parents, completed all of the remodeling work on the trailer. Inside, she has set up an espresso machine, two refrigerators with freezers, and a grinder, with plans to soon add a blender. This equipment allows her to efficiently create both hot and cold drinks for customers of all ages.
Payge Guenzler, a former teacher, is now a stay-at-home mom and just opened a drive-through coffee shop.
“I try to base as many products as I can out of Montana,” Guenzler noted. “I am looking to find and support Montana artists and display their art in my camper.” One of her beloved pieces is a live edge Ponderosa pine shelf gifted by her parents.
As a one-woman operation, Guenzler has no plans to hire employees in the near future. Her immediate aim is to serve the community and potentially bring Cheers Coffee Co. to local events. Over the long term, she envisions her business thriving and becoming a recognized establishment.
“My favorite part of starting this new business is creating fun drink combinations and continuing to educate myself on the art of espresso,” she shared. “I enjoy seeing regular customers each and every day, as well as meeting new ones from out of town.” While the journey of building her own business is fulfilling, Guenzler treasures the opportunity to remain a stay-at-home mom most of all.
Key Takeaways
- Cheers Coffee Co. is a new drive-through coffee shop located in Choteau.
- Offers a variety of drinks, including espresso, energy drinks, and Brazilian lemonade.
- Guenzler is focused on using Montana-sourced ingredients and supporting local artists.
- The shop operates Monday through Saturday, with specific opening hours.
- Plans to introduce specialty breakfast items inspired by European cuisines.
- Guenzler values the balance between business ownership and family life.
FAQ
What are Cheers Coffee Co. hours of operation?
The coffee shop is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What types of drinks are available at Cheers Coffee Co.?
Cheers Coffee Co. offers espresso drinks, Lotus and Red Bull energy drinks, dirty sodas, and Brazilian lemonade, among others.
Is Cheers Coffee Co. a solo operation?
Yes, Payge Guenzler operates Cheers Coffee Co. on her own and does not plan to hire additional employees in the near future.
Does Cheers Coffee Co. support local businesses?
Yes, Guenzler aims to source as many products as possible from local Montana suppliers.
What inspired Payge Guenzler to start her coffee shop?
Guenzler’s passion for coffee, combined with her desire to remain a stay-at-home mom, motivated her to open Cheers Coffee Co.
Cheers Coffee Co. represents not just a new chapter for Guenzler but also a cherished space for the community to gather, enjoy delicious drinks, and experience a touch of local flavor.
