Cool Beans Espresso & Ice Cream: A Sweet Addition to White Salmon's Community
Serving up smiles at Cool Beans in White Salmon. Picutred: Ollie, Jenessa, and Una Vandehey. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
White Salmon, WA, July 27, 2023— From the owners of Feast Market & Delicatessen comes a new local gem, Cool Beans Espresso & Ice Cream, which opened its doors in White Salmon, Washington on July 4th, 2023.
218 E Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Cool Beans in White Salmon. Picutred: Ollie, Jenessa, and Una Vandehey. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Owned by the dynamic duo, Jenessa and Shawn Vandehey, who are also the proud owners of Feast Market & Delicatessen, Cool Beans aims to bring joy and nostalgia to locals and visitors alike.
Having been part of the Gorge community for nearly 18 years, Jenessa Vandehey expressed her love for the warm and welcoming atmosphere of White Salmon, calling it "one of the most beautiful places on earth." With this sense of community in mind, the couple ventured into their newest local business venture, Cool Beans, offering a delightful blend of classic ice cream flavors and espresso.
Making Espresso! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
For those who can't decide between ice cream and coffee, the affogato serves up the best of both worlds. Pair your favorite ice cream flavor with two shots of locally roasted espresso from Moby Coffee Roasters for an unforgettable treat.
"What a lot of people don't know is that when you put coffee and ice cream together it is so delicious! The affogato is my favorite thing we make,” said Jenessa.
“Coffee and Ice Cream are two things that seem to really bring happiness to folks,” said Jenessa “It's so fun to have a quick cup of coffee or an ice cream date with a friend or family member or co-worker.”
This coffee aficionado had high praise for the locally roasted espresso served at Cool Beans. and for the outdoor seating which makes it a great spot to enjoy your coffee or ice cream in the shade on a hot day. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Cool Beans pays homage to old-school ice cream parlors with its charming checkered floors and a brightly colored storefront. Their menu features a rotating selection of 14 classic and nostalgic ice cream flavors sourced from renowned brands like Tillamook, Umpqua, and Cascade Glacier.
The Menu. Customers can enjoy their ice cream in various ways, from cups and bowls to cake, sugar, or homemade waffle cones—even atop gluten-free brownies for a special treat. Cool Beans also caters to sweet tooths with homemade ice cream sandwiches made to order with fresh-baked cookies, indulgent root beer floats, and delectable brownie sundaes. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
They also carry Swell Dog Gelato so that canine family members can also enjoy an ice cream outing with the family! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
"My hope for Cool Beans is to provide our community and visitors a fun and carefree family-friendly place to just grab a treat and really enjoy themselves. We also hope to create a fun and positive workplace for the young people of the gorge,” said Jenessa.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
As a family-run business, inclusivity is crucial to the Vandeheys, who make sure the menu offers at least one option for various dietary preferences such as gluten-free brownies and a vegan ice cream option.
They also want to ensure that their space feels welcoming to all.
"We like to keep our space decorated in a way that lets our queer and transgender community members and staff know we are a safe space and that ANYONE can come by to relax and enjoy a treat or cup of coffee no matter what," Jenessa added, emphasizing the importance of a welcoming and accepting environment.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
And the Vandeheys' love for being a family-owned and operated business shines through and through.
The Vandahey’s are on to something here for sure! Ice cream and espresso sure do pair well with their sandwiches from Feast Market and Delicatessen! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
"We all share a similar vision and long-term goals, so this gives us incentive to work hard and focus on what's important. We have stability, trust, and some flexibility. I find comfort in working with my loved ones,” said Jenessa.
For those looking to treat themselves or their loved ones, Cool Beans is located at 218 E Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA.
Business hours are currently 12-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 3-9 p.m. on Mondays.
So head on over to savor the delicious ice cream and coffee, and bask in the heartwarming charm of this sweet addition to White Salmon.
Also, keep reading for a review of our favorite menu items!
Cole’s Top Picks at Cool Beans: A Review in Pictures
(click on a photo for the review)
Cheers! And a big thank You Cool Beans for letting me share your story and also letting me sample every flavor of ice cream! I can’t wait to fill up my punch card for a free scoop! Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
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