Coffee dreams

Brian Conn is the owner-operator of Kootenay Shade Works and Northstar Roasting Co. — Photo courtesy Brian Conn

For 10 years, Brian Conn of Kimberley dreamed of getting into the coffee business. When Kimberley’s Steam Donkey Coffee closed its doors, Conn embraced the opportunity. Big Magic Design came up with the name Northstar Roasting, and Conn labels his coffees with the names of local streets and historic districts—names like Chapman Camp Medium, Townsite Blend and Howard Street Decaf, among others. Each label gives the origins of the name and some information about coffee and coffee roasting. Northstar Roasting Company’s slogan is “Damn good coffee.” Find it at Centex Market and Sprout Grocery, or call 250-427-9896.