There’s a kind of magic when you walk into Evans Brothers Coffee. The hum of the grinder, the smell of fresh coffee, and a barista who knows your order before you say a word.
They’re the heartbeat of the cafe, pulling perfect shots, keeping the vibe alive, and turning your morning coffee into something special. In this Evans Brothers Coffee blog series, we’re going to sit down with our own baristas to talk about favorite drinks, behind-the-scenes moments, and dive into the community that makes Evans Brothers feel like home.
Introducing: Brandon at the Coeur d’Alene cafe
Brandon has been part of the Evans Brothers Coffee crew for four years and is the Assistant Manager at our Coeur d’Alene cafe. He’s a born-and-raised North Idaho local who knows a thing or two about good coffee, good music, and good people.
When he’s not behind the bar crafting mochas, you’ll probably find him with a camera in hand, chasing light up the Coeur d’Alene River or exploring downtown. He’s passionate about youth ministry, has The Head and the Heart on repeat, and never passes up spending time with friends and family.
Brandon brings warmth, creativity, and heart to everything he does, and it shows in every cup.
The craft: What’s your favorite drink to make, and why?
Brandon shares that one drink stands above the rest: the 8-ounce “for here” mocha with whole milk. “It is the absolute BEST drink for latte art. It’s also a rarity to get that specific drink, so every time it’s ordered, I get excited.”
There’s something special about the combination of silky milk, rich chocolate, and the smooth texture that makes it the perfect canvas for art in a cup.
The reality: What’s one thing most people don’t realize about being a barista?
Coffee is often seen as something quick and convenient, but behind every cup is a story.
“I don’t think people realize the depth that coffee truly has. There is such a ‘fast food coffee’ culture in America. As a barista, I’m entrusted with beans from a farm in Guatemala, for example,” Brandon explains. “These beans we have are crafted over generations of families, and it’s up to me as a barista to do right by the family. I am very passionate about coffee for those reasons, even if my friends call me a coffee snob.”
Every pour and every shot pulled is about honoring the craft and the people behind it. That’s something customers may not see, but it’s at the heart of every cup.
The journey: How did you get into coffee in the first place?
Passion for coffee often starts with someone who sparks it.
“I got into coffee all thanks to my mom,” Brandon says. “She is a guilded barista and has been good friends with Rick and Randy for a long while now. Seeing her be so passionate about coffee really got me interested.”
What began as inspiration at home has grown into a career rooted in connection, craft, and community.
The taste: What’s your go-to coffee order when you’re off the clock?
“When I’m off the clock, my go-to coffee is either a pour over, something that is bright and juicy like the Kayon Mountain Ethiopia we have right now. If I want espresso, then it has to be a cortado,” he explains. “It’s the most perfect drink and the ultimate test of any barista.”
Even baristas have their own rituals when they’re not behind the counter. Whether it’s the clean clarity of a pour over or the precision of a cortado, the love for coffee goes well beyond the shift for Brandon.
The heart: How would you describe the vibe or community at Evans Brothers?
More than anything, it’s the people who make Evans Brothers Coffee what it is.
“Evans Brothers is, at a surface level, a place that makes great coffee and a nice spot to stop while you’re out walking. But at the heart of it, it’s a place dedicated to people,” he adorns. “It’s a place where we make the most of two-minute interactions in the hope of changing people’s day for the better. It’s why I love this place so much. I get the opportunity to dive deeper into the art of coffee as well as be a light for someone going through a hard time.”
Those everyday moments, quick conversations, familiar faces, and a perfectly made drink are what make the cafe feel less like a stop and more like a home base.
Brewing connection, one cup at a time
Behind every great cup is someone who cares about more than just the perfect pour. It’s the small conversations, the shared laughs, and the familiar faces that make each visit feel personal.
Our Evans Brothers Coffee baristas bring that spirit to life every single day. They turn routine coffee runs into something memorable, one cup at a time.