MONTE VISTA – The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce and the OptiMystics Citizens Action Network hosted a ribbon cutting at 1000 Grande Ave. for Drift Away Coffee. 

Approximately 36 people attended the grand opening. Chamber Director Heather Hillin welcomed Drift Away to the community and handed the big pair of scissors to owner Hailee Fonk. 

“We want to congratulate you on your nice little shop. This is going to be such a wonderful addition to Monte Vista. We can’t wait to see what you do next. Congratulations on the new location. Let’s cut that ribbon,” she said.  

With that Fonk took scissors and cut the long red ribbon being held in front of the store. Everyone clapped and cheered as golden confetti flakes were also thrown in the air to celebrate.  

Fonk, who is excited to be open and have a brick-and-mortar location, spoke about the business and about the ribbon cutting. 

“It’s literally a dream come true. We have the best support here. It’s been a good week to be open. We can’t wait to be open here permanently,” she said.  

Fonk said that they opened on Cinco de Mayo of 2023 as a mobile business and have been present at many events.  

Fonk said that the opportunity for the business to move into a brick-and-mortar came about at the end of summer when the opportunity was presented to them. 

“We came to look at the shop and we just couldn’t pass it up,” she said. 

Fonk said that Monte Vista was considered a good location for her and her husband because it was a nice middle ground, 

“I am from Del Norte, but me and my husband live in Alamosa. We thought this was a good middle point for us too,” she said.  

Fonk thanked her family for their love and support. 

“They are such a wonderful support for us to have,” she said. 

Hillin said she is excited for the new business and added that Fonk is a member of the Chamber of Commerce as well. 

“We just really want her to know that we are excited for her. Congratulations from the Chamber. This is just great,” Hillin said.  

Monte Vista resident Rachel Samora said that she loves Drift Away Coffee. 

“I chase them all over the Valley,” she said with a chuckle. “They are now stationed in the town I live in. You better believe I am picking up my morning coffee here. Also, in the old library building. How cool is that. Yup, you have some excited people here today, and one of them is me. Thank you, Drift Away Coffee.”