Caffeina Kitchen Opens in Former Big City Coffee Location, Bringing Fresh Approach to Downtown Boise

Downtown Boise’s dining landscape is evolving with the transformation of a longstanding local establishment. Caffeina Kitchen, an extension of Caffeina Coffee Roasting Company, opened its doors on September 6, 2024, at 1416 W. Grove St., the former home of Big City Coffee and Cafe.

Honoring Legacy While Creating New Traditions

After 24 years of serving the Boise community, Big City Coffee has closed, making way for Caffeina Kitchen. While the location may have a new name and ownership, many familiar elements remain. Caffeina Kitchen will continue to serve several of Big City’s signature items, including the popular cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy that locals have cherished for years.

This transition represents a passing of the torch between two women-owned businesses committed to the local community. Sarah Fendley, Big City’s owner, is stepping back from operations but has indicated that the brand will return in some capacity in the future. Meanwhile, Lyndsey Hopkins, founder and owner of Caffeina Coffee Roasting Company, has expressed her respect for what Fendley built and her desire to maintain the welcoming community atmosphere that made Big City a downtown staple.

Hopkins has emphasized the importance of community in her business philosophy. “Our community—employees and customers alike—is what makes Caffeina truly special. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about connecting with people, building an environment where everyone feels like part of an extended family,” Hopkins noted. “We truly believe that everything we need in life can be found in a coffee shop: networking, relationships, coffee, water, wine, fruit, veggies, protein, and even plants.”

Growth Rooted in Passion for Coffee

The addition of Caffeina Kitchen marks another milestone in the impressive growth trajectory of Caffeina Coffee Roasting Company. What began as a college student’s passion has blossomed into a thriving local business with multiple locations throughout the Treasure Valley.

Hopkins’ journey into the coffee industry began during her college years when she worked for a local coffee roaster. As graduation approached, she found herself reluctant to leave the coffee world behind. “I called my mom and asked her if she would help guide me in starting my own coffee company,” Hopkins recounted. “She agreed, but with conditions. I knew I had one shot to make it work, so I poured my heart into this venture.”

That venture officially started as Coffee Studio in 2011, opening as a brick-and-mortar cafe in Meridian. By 2014, the business had expanded to three cafes and developed proprietary coffee blends. The company took a significant step in 2015 with the purchase of Premier Beverage Service, which allowed them to maintain brewing equipment across Idaho.

Caffeina Roasting Company was officially established in April 2018, when they purchased their first Ozturk Bay coffee roaster and opened their roasting house on State & Collister in Boise. Since then, they’ve developed a full-service bakery and kitchen and continued to expand their footprint across the region.

A Family Business with Community at its Heart

As a women-owned and family-operated business, Caffeina has cultivated a reputation for quality products and strong community ties. Hopkins started the business with her mother, and their entire family has been integral to the company’s growth and success.

This commitment to community has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Caffeina was recognized with the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Supporter of the Year award, underscoring their dedication to giving back to the area that has supported their growth.

Looking to the Future

With four current locations—Caffeina Roasting Company on State Street, Caffeina Roasting Company on Overland, Caffeina Kitchen in downtown Boise, and JoVinos in Eagle—the business continues to thrive. Hopkins’ vision for the future includes further expansion, with plans to open a new café in the North End/Southeast Boise area in 2025.

The company has already launched Caffeina Kiosks at Micron and ESI and is preparing to open a second roastery, café, and commissary kitchen in Alpine, Wyoming, extending their reach beyond Idaho’s borders.

For downtown Boise residents and visitors seeking both familiar comfort and fresh energy, Caffeina Kitchen represents the continuation of a beloved space’s story. As one chapter closes with Big City Coffee, a new one begins—one that honors tradition while embracing innovation and community connection in the heart of Idaho’s capital city.