Kona Kai Coffee of Kent wins state honor for work with the homeless

Published 3:53 pm Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Kona Kai Coffee Co. of Kent was one of three Washington restaurants recognized this month for excellence in community service. The downtown coffee house was a state winner of the 2011 Restaurant Neighbor Award and now in the running for national award.

The awards are given through the Washington Restaurant Association.

Kona Kai was chosen because of the program it runs providing homeless and disadvantaged people job training and employment in the coffee, hospitality and food-service industry. They donate their cafe space, staff volunteers to train and coach participants, as well as to market the program for fundraising events. Kona Kai Coffee is owned by Mychal and Maryum Boiser. Visit them at 124 Fourth Ave. S., or call (253) 859-5662.