At Evans Brothers Coffee, community has always been the reason behind the work. Coffee is what brings us together, but relationships are what keep us rooted. From the farmers we partner with around the world to the people and businesses we work alongside here at home, we believe coffee is best when it is shared.
We love getting to know the people behind the spaces that make our communities feel alive. The ones who create places where you can slow down, feel welcome, and connect with the people around you. These partnerships matter to us because they reflect the same care, curiosity, and hospitality we try to bring into everything we do.
This new series is our way of celebrating the people who help shape our coffee community and reminding us why we do what we do in the first place.
Who Ten/6 is
Ten/6 began as a dream long before it ever became a restaurant. For owner and operator TJ Taylor, it started as what she describes as “a young girl’s dream, a dream in which she felt completely safe to dream and believe it would come true someday.” Growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged and thinking differently was celebrated, that dream had room to grow.
Over the years, the idea lived in notebooks and journals, slowly forming into a vision for a place where people could “escape to a world where you could shut out the negativity for a while and come to a place of human connection.” A love for cooking and hosting made the transition into a restaurant feel natural, while sacred Cajun family recipes, shared by a close family friend, became the foundation of the menu and a meaningful way to bring those values to life in North Idaho.
“Ten/6 is inspired by curiosity in humans and the ability to feel safe enough to be yourself,” TJ shares. That intention carries through every part of the space, inviting guests to slow down, gather, and create their best memories with the people around them.
Why we love working with Ten/6
Some partnerships just feel easy. Working with Ten/6 is one of those.
From the very beginning, there has been a shared sense of care in how TJ and the Ten/6 team approach their work. Care for their guests, care for their team, and care for the details that make a space feel truly welcoming. That mindset aligns naturally with how we think about coffee and community at Evans Brothers.
TJ’s connection to Evans Brothers goes back years, long before Ten/6 opened. “I have been able to work with Evans Brothers beans for many, many years,” she shares, first as a barista using their coffee in the area and later as part of the Evans Brothers team.
“Seeing the difference in care and the craft really opened my eyes to what specialty coffee means,” TJ says. “The relationships and the lengths they go to really inspires you to want to be the best barista you can to protect this beautiful product.”
What we appreciate most about working with Ten/6 is the spirit they bring into everything they do. TJ speaks often about camaraderie, hospitality, and showing grace, and those values show up daily in their space. It is the kind of partnership built on trust, laughter, and a genuine desire to make people feel seen, and that is something we are proud to be part of.
The coffee moment at Ten/6
Coffee at Ten/6 is never just about the drink. It is woven into the rhythm of the day, from early mornings to moments of pause in between.
When it comes to favorites, TJ admits it is nearly impossible to choose. “This is so hard,” she laughs. While Evans Brothers pour overs hold a special place for her, there is one drink that still has her heart. “They had this one drink forever ago that has my heart. The Spicy Boi.” A nitro cold brew with ginger syrup, it was bold, unexpected, and unforgettable, much like the spaces Ten/6 creates.
Those early hours are where the magic starts. The day often begins with an early morning espresso dial in, setting the tone for everything that follows. It is a small ritual, but one that reflects the care and intention behind each cup. Coffee becomes both a grounding moment and a creative spark, fueling the work of hospitality and connection that fills the space throughout the day.
At Ten/6, coffee is part of the experience. It invites people to slow down, stay a little longer, and enjoy the moment right in front of them.
Rooted in community
Community has always been at the heart of Ten/6. For TJ, supporting local businesses is deeply personal and closely tied to the courage it takes to share your gifts with others.
“There are so many wonderful hearts in this community that just simply want to share their gifts and talents,” she says. That vulnerability, the willingness to step outside of comfort zones and try something new, is something Ten/6 understands well. “It can be scary to be vulnerable, but it is celebrated once someone takes the step to do so.”
Supporting that bravery and growth is what makes local community so powerful. TJ believes that when people choose to grow, they create positive change not just for themselves, but for everyone around them. “If we aren’t growing, we are dying,” she shares. Getting to be part of that growth and cheer it on is something Ten/6 holds close.
Through food, hospitality, and genuine connection, Ten/6 continues to celebrate the uniqueness of Coeur d’Alene and the people who make it what it is. It is a place where creativity is welcomed, community is nurtured, and everyone is invited to belong.
Quick takes with Ten/6
- Morning or afternoon coffee?
Early morning espresso dial in.
- One word that describes Ten/6.
Curiosity
Looking ahead
We are grateful to work alongside partners like Ten/6 who lead with curiosity, care, and a genuine love for their community. Spaces like this remind us why local partnerships matter and why showing up for one another makes such a difference.
As Ten/6 continues to grow and create meaningful experiences in Coeur d’Alene, we are proud to be part of their story and to keep sharing coffee, conversation, and community together. This partnership is one we value deeply, and we are excited for what’s ahead.