New Libby coffee shop welcoming customers

An idea in the works since March came to fruition this month with the opening of 7 Seeds Specialty Coffee at 903 Mineral Ave. in Libby.

The business is owned by Josie Girod, Victoria Hibpshman and Girod’s older brother, Cornelius, who provided financial backing but is not part of the day-to-day running of the store.

“My brother has always wanted to open a coffee shop,” Josie Girod said July 27, when the shop had been open a week and a half. “He loves coffee — my whole family does — but he really didn’t want to run it, so that’s where we come in.”

Along with coffee drinks and smoothies, there is a small menu of sandwiches and homemade pastries, which the trio hope to expand soon to include salads and a range of lunch food.

Hibpshman said Cornelius Girod was the handyman, but that all three worked hard for three months after first leasing the property to ready it for business.

“We were really cocky,” she said. “We thought we could get it done in a month but of course it took longer than that.”

The store’s name comes from their coffee provider, Seven Seeds. Originally from Moyie Springs in Idaho, Seven Seeds’ owner travels to the places that source his coffee and he tries to give back to the communities in aid as well as purchasing their coffee, Josie Girod said.

“He travels to India, Africa and Columbia regularly to buy the coffee,” Hibpshman added.

Although they are currently working 11 hour days, six days a week, Girod and Hibpshman remain upbeat. They both came to their current positions from working at Farm to Market store, and are used to both food service and each other’s company.

“It really doesn’t feel like 11 hours,” Josie Girod said.

“We’re best friends,” Hibpshman said. “So we communicate well.”

When business is quiet, they sit down and do paperwork or just rest for a minute.

Eventually, when they know the business better, Hibpshman said they would like to hire “a lively morning person” to cover the early shift and Saturdays.

Their leased building includes another room not yet in use yet. They plan to expand into it to provide more seating, including private nooks and a propane fireplace. They’d also like to expand the outdoor area beside the highway.

“We want people to feel welcome to stay,” Josie Girod said.

The pair accommodate special orders or requests. They brought in toasted marshmallow flavor for one man, and soy-free bread for a woman who can’t eat soy. It’s part of their appreciation for their customers.

“We’re thankful that people are willing to give us a try,” Hibpshman said.