A month before two graduations may not seem like the best time to open a small business, but for Saige Brindle, the timing was right.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own business,” the 2023 W.F. High School graduate said.
Brindle, who earned her associate’s degree with an emphasis on business at Centralia College, opened Lone Tree Coffee Co.
She started the business in May while finishing her high school and college diploma and in the middle of her high school softball season.
Brindle said it was a lot to handle, but it was worth it to do something she’s passionate about.
“As soon as I could drive, I started working,” she said.
Entrepreneurship is something that runs in her family.
Her cousin, Gracie West, operates West on Wheels, a burger trailer also based out of Mossyrock. Her parents owned and operated a logging business for years before its sale, and her brother and dad recently started a helicopter business that offers tours, surveys and game recovery.
With the help of her family, Brindle purchased the trailer. One of the biggest obstacles, she said, was getting it certified by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Since then, she’s set up across Lewis County at W.F. football games, weddings, the Packwood Flea Market and at other regional festivals.
Brindle has already booked several events for next summer, which she said is “a little nerve-wracking.”
Lone Tree Coffee offers all of the morning staples, from Americanos and lattes to Italian sodas and lemonades. Brindle said the highlight of the fall is the apple pie latte, a drink that has proven to be quite popular.
The stand offers muffin tops, cake pops and company apparel.
Brindle is now working on her bachelor’s degree in business at Centralia College and dreams of opening a permanent location one day.
Lone Tree Coffee can be found on Instagram at lonetree_coffeeco and on Facebook at Lone Tree Coffee Co.
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Editor’s note: The Chronicle will profile West on Wheels in an upcoming edition.
