Taylor Jensen’s coffee story began thousands of miles from home, at a barista counter on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Years later, that spark of interest has grown into Cowpoke Coffee, a veteran-owned business now serving the Idaho Falls community with locally roasted beverages and a mission rooted in military service and entrepreneurial spirit.
Jensen opened the coffee shop alongside her husband, who was stationed in Oahu during his military service. What started as casual interest in the craft evolved into something more deliberate. “It just became a passion. I liked coffee, grew up liking coffee, and then one day for fun we were like, ‘What if we opened up a coffee shop?'” Jensen told the EastIdahoNews.com.
The operation spans two locations across Bonneville County. The main building sits at 10466 North Yellowstone Highway, while a coffee trailer operates from 1905 East Sunnyside Road. Both serve the same menu of locally roasted coffee and morning beverages, giving residents flexibility in where they grab their daily cup.
Signature Drinks and Local Sourcing
Jensen has developed a lineup of specialty drinks that reflect creative flavor combinations. When asked about her top recommendations, Jensen points to three standouts: the Banana Bread, which layers banana, brown sugar, and cinnamon; the Side Saddle, featuring white chocolate and pistachio; and the Campfire, a mocha topped with caramel and toasted marshmallow. “Anytime someone asks, ‘What’s your top 3 (drinks)?’ These are always the recommendations,” she explained, as first reported by the EastIdahoNews.com.
Each recipe undergoes testing before hitting the menu. Jensen develops new flavors by testing batches in 12-cup increments, refining the balance of ingredients until the drink meets her standards. The commitment to local sourcing extends throughout the operation, distinguishing Cowpoke Coffee from chain establishments.
Hours and Access
Both locations maintain consistent hours to serve early risers and afternoon customers. Monday through Friday, the coffee shop opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. On Saturdays, hours run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving weekend shoppers a window to visit before the afternoon closes.
The expansion to two locations reflects growing demand from the community and the couple’s vision for accessibility. Whether customers prefer the full-service building or the convenience of the trailer location, Cowpoke Coffee delivers the same quality and veteran-backed mission.
Jensen’s journey from Pearl Harbor barista to Bonneville County business owner illustrates how military experience and civilian entrepreneurship can intersect. The coffee shop stands as a visible reminder that veteran-owned enterprises contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community culture across Eastern Idaho.