Pearl Lopez opened a drive-through coffee shop in Quincy, WA in 2021 with a bilingual menu and Mexican-inspired recipes. Pearl’s niece, Elizabeth, is the assistant manager of the popular espresso stop, called Whipped, which is conveniently located in the heart of Quincy. The fixed location is ideal for Grant County PUD employees and other neighbors, and now thanks to a community reinvestment initiative, Whipped is on the move.
Pearl purchased a mobile truck in order to grow the business and reach new customers at the local farmer’s market, concerts at the nearby Gorge Amphitheater, and other area events. The mobile expansion would allow them to increase capacity, and bring on new employees. But the the truck needed several essentials in order to be up to code and appropriately equipped. Pearl had already invested in the truck itself, the taxes, and the paint and branded wrapping, but additional funds were needed before it could be put to use for the business.
Elizabeth learned about a unique small business community reinvestment grant opportunity through SkillSource, thanks to the Washington State Department of Commerce, and she submitted the application for Whipped. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that we were approved for the grant!” Pearl shared. “We’re so excited about what this means for our business and Quincy, and we can’t wait for event season!”
The investment grant funds were put to quick use to bring the truck up to code and to make the final purchases needed, which included a new espresso machine and a generator. Today Whipped officially has a road-ready mobile coffee truck!
Congratulations to Pearl and Elizabeth and their growing team at Whipped. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook, stop in to say hi and grab a sweet and tasty beverage, and keep an eye out for their new pink mobile truck which will be hitting the road soon!
Whipped is located at 1 B Street SW, Quincy, WA.
SkillSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Relay 711.
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