BOISE, Idaho — Coffee -- many people say they cannot live without it. The love Boiseans have for coffee is apparent by the plethora of coffee houses on almost any downtown street corner. Shops come and go, but The Flying M has stood the test of time. The coffeehouse is celebrating 32 years in business.
Gift shop manager Jessica Pallante said everyone is welcome. In a state known for having more right-leaning legislation and lawmakers, The Flying M has intentionally created a safe space, a kind of bastion for LGBTQ+ people and others that may feel like they are in the minority in Idaho.
"We love our customers. It's so great to hear their stories over time and see how the families grow and where people go," she said. "I mean people study here at night and get degrees. I've heard people studying here for the Bar, people doing art programs. It's fun to see people's progression through time."
She has been with the M for 17 years, and said it's a great place to work because of the combination of great employees, coffee, unique gifts and customers.
"We try to be an all-inclusive shop and just try to feel welcoming to everybody and we feel like people hang out and stay for quite a while," Pallante said, "so yeah, we hope to stay open another 32 plus years."
The original location was in what is now Guido's Pizza, however, The M grew and moved to its current location the year after it opened at 500 W. Idaho St. It is now what could be considered an iconic staple in the city.
"So, we have a lot of the same customers, very loyal," Pallante said. "We have some of the same clients that came in. I've just seen them change through time. And then, as people move here, we're kind of a little different and it makes people comfortable. We're a little funky, and people love that."
Besides coffee and a selection of treats, both savory and sweet, the M also has a unique gift shop that has grown over the years.
"We've always had like a little bit of a gift shop presence and with each year it's grown in size, and it's expanded out," she said. "We have a little bit of everything. I mean books, journals, jewelry. housewares. Even a little bit of a kid section."
The Flying M also has other locations in the valley, people can get more information here.
Learn more about The Flying M story here.
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