KAPA‘A — It started when Ken Kubota was just a kid. He and his father Mino would get together along with the rest of his family and talk story around the table. On many of those occasions, Mino would brew
KAPA‘A — It started when Ken Kubota was just a kid.
He and his father Mino would get together along with the rest of his family and talk story around the table.
On many of those occasions, Mino would brew up some fresh coffee to make the discussions that much more interesting.
Coffee has been a big part of Ken Kubota’s life which is the main reason why he decided to open his espresso shop in Kapa‘a.
Approximately two weeks ago, Kubota opened “Mino’s Coffee and Tea” shop inside the Pono Market, which is owned by his brother Bob and his wife Lynn.
“The response has been great so far,” said Ken Kubota. “The majority of my customers are local and I think having it here (at the Pono market) has helped.
“My brother already has great customer traffic here so that has been an advantage for me.”
Ken Kubota offers just about everything a coffee and espresso fan would enjoy. He makes all of the specialty drinks in addition to the essential cup of freshly-brewed coffee.
“For the last two years, I would go to trade shows in Portland to get more information about coffee an how to make the espresso drinks the best I can for my customers.”
Ken Kubota uses Jurez Coffee Company beans in addition to offering Koko Crater beans for local favorites like the Molokai Blend and Hawaiian Hazelnut.
In addition, the business owner has a variety of Monin syrups for specialty latte and mocha beverages.
He also uses Ghiradelli chocolate for his mochas.
If customers have a preference for teas, Kubota has many varieties of Numi Brand teams such as Dry Desert Lime, Red Mellow Bush and Simply Mint.
Mino’s currently is open from 6:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call Ken Kubota at 822-4581.
Business Editor Barry Graham can be reached at 245-3681 Ext. 251 or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
