Fantails Espresso Bar brings New Zealand coffee culture to Kimberley

What started as a mobile coffee cart is now a growing local business with a loyal following

Jules fell in love with the coffee culture overseas, and brought it back to the Kootenays with her. — Photos courtesy Fantails Espresso Bar

When Jules Mackay moved from New Zealand to the Kootenays, she brought with her a love for the rich coffee culture she’d grown accustomed to overseas. Inspired by the mobile coffee carts that thrive in New Zealand, Mackay decided to recreate that experience in Kimberley. In 2022, she and her husband bought a vintage 1988 U.S. postal service truck and transformed it into a roaming café on wheels.

Fantails Espresso Bar started as a pop-up, then rolled onto local streets in the summer, and by the end of 2024 had opened a permanent home in the Platzl. Today, the shop is a cozy, community-driven space where regulars (and their dogs) come for their daily brew, a chat, and a warm welcome. Mackay was happy to share some insights from her business journey.

What inspired you to open Fantails Espresso Bar?

After spending years in New Zealand, I got pretty spoiled when it came to good coffee. Mobile coffee carts are everywhere over there, and I loved the culture around it. When I moved to the Kootenays, I couldn’t find that same kind of coffee experience, so I decided to create it myself. My husband and I bought an old 1988 US postal service truck in 2022 and slowly converted it into a little cafe on wheels, and I just hoped people here would love it as much as I did!

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when first opening?

Converting and running a mobile business out of a 37-year-old truck definitely came with its hurdles... it was a big learning curve. Balancing the business with family life (and two little ones) was a juggle and still is, my main goal is just trying to keep my hours consistent.  And like any new business, just getting the word out and building that trust in the community took a minute, but once people found me and gave the coffee a try, word spread quickly!

Did you have a background in coffee or hospitality before starting the business?

I’ve done my fair share of hospitality over the years, especially back in New Zealand. That’s where I picked up a lot of the skills (and standards!) that I brought into Fantails. I love the art and science of espresso and always strive to make the best cup, every time.

What role does Fantails play in the Kimberley community?

I like to think Fantails is a little hidden gem—nothing fancy, just a warm, welcoming space where people can grab their favourite drink and enjoy a quick chat. It's small, but it's got heart.

What do you love most about your regulars?

I love getting to know everyone in this town. I like hearing about their day, asking questions about their life and making sure I learn their favourite drink and how they like it made. My favourite ones are the four-legged furry ones, though.

How has the business changed or evolved since it opened?

It’s been a whirlwind! I started as a pop-up in the old Flora Bora flower shop in early 2024, moved into the truck from June to September, and by December, we’d opened a proper shop in the Platzl. Since then, the menu’s evolved, our customer base has grown, and I’ve learned a lot!

What advice would you give someone thinking about opening a café in a small town?

Keep it simple, be consistent, and really get to know your locals. Small towns are all about community—it’s not just about serving coffee, it’s about showing up and being part of people’s routines. And be ready to do everything yourself, especially at the start. It's a big job, but a really rewarding one.

Have you ever thought about expanding, franchising, or adding a second location?

I’ve definitely thought about it, but right now I’m happy keeping it small and personal. I like being hands-on and knowing the people who walk through the door. Maybe down the track, but for now, one location is more than enough to keep me busy! I love sharing the space with Backcut Barbershop, maybe one day we'll find a larger space to accommodate more seating and space for our customers.

How do you approach marketing or social media for the business?

I mostly just use it to keep my customers up to date with things like hours and new drinks/drink specials. Where they can find the truck during the summer! I don't pour too much time or effort into it though, occasionally I like to make the people drool with what yummy treats I've got for the day or entice them with a delicious looking drink.

What are you most proud of when you look back on Fantails’ journey?

That I turned a little coffee truck dream into something real. I never expected to be in a brick-and-mortar so soon with regulars, new faces, and a growing community around me, but here we are—and it keeps getting busier. Seeing people come back each day for their coffee and a chat makes it all worth it!

Whats next for Fantails Espresso Bar?

Honestly? No world domination plans (yet). But a bit more space for bums on seats wouldn’t hurt—and I’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a special New Zealand ice cream next summer. Because what’s better than coffee? Coffee and ice cream.