Open since March 2020, East Pass Coffee Co. is a fresh member of the Emerald Coast dining scene with a cozy and modern café serving JumpinGoat coffee, acai bowls, sandwiches, smoothies, toast, and more. Owners Mackenzie and Grant Destin along with Hayden Shaw had been operating the JumpinGoat Coffee Trailer located by Dewey Destin’s on the Harbor when they decided to take the leap into a brick-and-mortar location. Mackenzie recently shared the story behind their transition to the café, and what makes this locally owned business unique.

What was the inspiration behind East Pass Coffee Co.?

We wanted to design a coffee shop that paid homage to Destin’s coastal feel and create a space where locals could go and feel like the barista remembered their order. We love local businesses and wanted to make a space that other locals would enjoy! 

Why did you choose to serve JumpinGoat Coffee?

JumpinGoat Coffee is roasted in Helen, GA by my parents. Not only are we supporting another small business and our family, but it is a delicious product that we can whole-heartedly stand behind! 

What is your most popular coffee beverage?

Our most ordered drink would definitely be our Sweet Cream Vanilla Cold Brew. Ethiopian beans course ground for 24 hours creates a delicious and deep cold brew. Top it with diluted sweet, condensed milk and vanilla simple syrup, and you’ve got the perfect mix of strong, creamy, and sweet! 

What else do you serve besides coffee?

We serve a plethora of options besides coffee including sandwiches, toasts, açaí bowls, smoothies, and our rotating baked good of the day. You won’t want to miss items like our Breakfast Sandwich, which includes toasted bread, an egg over medium, cheddar cheese, arugula, and hot pepper jelly! 

Why did you choose Destin as the location for your business? Are you originally from the area/how long have you been here?

All three owners, Grant, Hayden, and I have deep ties to Destin between growing up here or going to school here at some point. We all left for a little bit, only to return to the luckiest fishing village to re-plant our roots. 

What is the best part about owning a coffee company?

We make genuine relationships with people that come in to see us every day, know their orders by heart, and hope to help them start their day the best way possible – with a coffee in hand!  

Please share any additional fun or important details about your business:

Although right now we are only in Destin, we hope to open locations all along the Emerald Coast! Also, stay tuned for big news in 2022! 

East Pass Coffee Co. is located at 529 Harbor Blvd Unit 104 in Destin. The café is open seven days a week from 7:30AM to 2PM. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastpasscoffeeco or follow on Instagram at @eastpasscoffeeco.