Grounds for Celebration at the May AfterHours for Kona Coffee & Tea
By Fern Gavelek, photos by Lisa Freudenberger
NETWORKING—The coffee was on and there was plenty of conversation at the May AfterHours hosted by Kona Coffee & Tea in Kailua-Kona. The company marked its 20th anniversary last year and in 2018 was tapped first place winner of the Crown Division of the prestigious Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Contest.
Kona Coffee & Tea has won numerous awards; the operation started on 20 acres in Holualoa and today has over 200. The company recently became Blue Zones approved by offering healthier menu options in its café and being committed to cultivating a place in the community. Malia Bolton said the family owned-and-operated company is a “big supporter of community,” participating in numerous local events, and offers several meeting options for families and businesses in its stand-alone café located on Palani Road in the Kona Coast Shopping Center.
Event Manager Cherie Griffore shared the meeting offerings. During business hours, the makai lanai accommodates 40 while an area inside the café will seat 85 attendees. The full café seats up to 100 people and is available during and after business hours. A serve yourself or full coffee service and pastry station (with espresso orders) can be secured for gatherings. Events can be catered, with beer and wine, and servers are provided. For complete details, contact cherie@konacoffeeandtea.com.
The next AfterHours is hosted by Daylight Mind Coffee Company 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 in Kailua-Kona. Signup at www.kona-kohala.com or phone 329-1758.
AFTERHOURS HOSTS—Making sure the coffee was on at the May AfterHours were from left: Kelly Drysdale, Malia Bolton and Cherie “Chun” Giffore of Kona Coffee & Tea. Photo by Lisa Freudenberger.