Laura Wills has seen a tripling of the number of customers for Jupiter Coffee at their Freeland location at 5490 Cameron Road. There are still a substantial number of regulars who come by for their favorite expresso drinks and delicious baked goods, but many new folks are discovering Jupiter Coffee and becoming regulars as well.
Previously her Freeland business was at 18205 State Route 525, behind the Chevron gas station. When she learned that the Mutiny Bay Distillery was closing and that the space would be available, she moved to this new location that provides more kitchen space, outdoor seating, and parking spaces.
Laura Wills spent much of her youth on Whidbey, moved away for several years, and then moved back to the island to be close to family. From the mid 80’s to early 90’s, Laura worked for Sydney and Mike at the Island Bakery in Freeland, which, in her words, was the most incredible bakery she has ever experienced. That is where she developed her passion for baking.
Prior to becoming a business owner on Whidbey, Laura worked as a medical administrator for an osteopath, at Virginia Mason Cancer Institute, and at a clinic for multiple sclerosis. Laura brings that caring spirit into everything she bakes and with all her interactions with her customers. In 2018 when Laura and her husband Bryce were preparing to move back to the island after nearly 20 years in the medical field, she knew that what she really wanted to do was return to her island roots in baking and espresso.
Bryce left his medical work in Seattle in September 2024 and now works at the shop with Laura as baker and biscuit maker and helps up front with the customers when needed. Laura notes:” He is wonderful and always greets people with a smile!”
Besides the traditional range of espresso drinks, Laura is known for the high quality of baked goods she produces. Word has gotten around that her scones (more than 20 varieties) are fabulous: marionberry, blueberry, cinnamon swirl, pie cherry, and raspberry almond. She also offers other varieties including gluten free that she rotates, often responding to requests from customers. In addition, she offers many sweet and savory items. She takes special orders as she can.
Laura loves what she is doing: “I love the space that I am creating. The baking is a passion for me, and the connections I have with my amazing customers makes it feel like I have the best job ever. The space feels like my second home. I am grateful every day to be here! I have amazing people helping in the kitchen: Bryce, Opus, Mark and two Alicias. Camila and Baylie are the baristas; Sam is back with the cleaning, and Mikelle is on the books. Everyone is awesome, works well together, and are truly a dream team.”
The space is also a venue for musicians, and some Saturday mornings there is live music between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are also Jupiter Nights with live music on the last Saturday of each month, usually from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Jupiter Coffee is now offering online ordering for their Take and Bake scones and they have started a trial run of Take and Bake deliveries on and off island. For on-line ordering for take and bake, visit jupitercoffee.square.site. People can now order limited varieties of take and bake as well as baked items through Whidbey Island Grown food hub.
Jupiter Coffee’s business hours are Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. You can call or text Laura at 206-354-1982. Check out Instagram – jupitercoffeewhidbey; and Facebook – Jupitercoffee.
