What’s in a name? “Coffee Girl” has historic roots

Published 5:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2006

Every day, for proprietor Zetty McKay, walking into her recently opened “Coffee Girl” espresso café in Pier 39 on Astoria’s waterfront is a trip down memory lane. As a college student in 1997, McKay worked in the same labyrinth-like building, currently a commercial complex that includes offices, lodging, and a planned brewpub. Then, however, the building was home to Crystal Ocean Seafoods, a now defunct fish processing operation. Her job wasn’t exactly working with fish. Instead, McKay was known in the plant as the “coffee girl,” the inspiration for the name of her business. Her job was to prepare coffee in the plant break room, but she was also responsible for cleaning the coffee room, restrooms and fish worker clothing gear.

“I had to launder aprons caked with fish guts. Not exactly glamorous,” McKay said.

McKay moved back to Astoria after completing her degree in journalism at University of Oregon and working as a T.V. anchor in Eugene. In Astoria she has been working for New Northwest Broadcasters as a news reporter for the local radio station. An entrepreneurial passion was brewing within, however, and when the opportunity to be the espresso provider in the Pier 39 complex, McKay took the plunge.

“Astoria is such an exciting place right now. I see it transforming, and Pier 39 is a big element of that, with a great location and a great history. I wanted to be a part of it,” said McKay.

In addition to a spectacular waterfront view, comfy chairs and sofa, and free wireless Internet service in the café, customers will find a broad array of specialty espresso drinks, sandwiches, pastries and soups.

McKay chose Caffe’ D’arte of Seattle as her coffee vendor.

“I wanted a high quality coffee, which they produce, and they also offered extensive training. I’m learning latte art. Good quality coffee with an urban flair,” she said.

McKay is also excited about the growth plans in the area surrounding Pier 39.

“Nearby there is a 96 unit condo project under construction, business warehouses that are filling, and a trolley stop being added. The whole area is growing, and I want to grow with it.”

In her not very spare time, McKay also writes for Coast River Business Journal.

(See related story – Astoria Grows Up).

Business Name: Coffee Girl

Owner: Zetty McKay

Address: Pier 39, 100 39^th St., Astoria, OR 97103

Phone: (503) 325-6900

Hours of Operation: 7:30am-3pm/ 7 days a week