Jackie's Espresso expands to Seeley Lake

SEELEY LAKE - When she started her first coffee shop in 2005, Jackie Callison did not think her business would be where it is today. Now, she has three coffee kiosks in small towns in western Montana, the most recent addition located in the parking lot of the Bison and Bear Center. Her goal is to consistently be there for her customers, always offering great coffee and a place for employment to locals in the community.

"It just happened to come up a couple of months ago and I jumped on it and I got the lease," said Callison. "I want to be able to service Seeley Lake, I want them to know we will be there."

Callison wanted to open a knitting shop in Alberton. She decided to open her knitting shop inside a local coffee shop.

"I thought knitting and coffee would go together because they are two of my favorite things," said Callison and laughed. "I just love coffee."

When the owner decided to sell the coffee shop, Callison bought it and started Jackie's Espresso. She later sold this coffee shop to her daughter.

Callison opened a floral and gift shop in Superior, Montana. In 2010, she added and espresso shop with ice cream on the side. The business is named Jackie's Flowers, Espresso & Gifts.

This past March, she purchased another espresso shop in Superior across the freeway.

Callison first noticed the kiosk in Seeley Lake years ago but for some wrong reasons. 

"They just were not open all the time," Callison said. "When you have this business you just need to be there when you say you will be."

Callison saw in the early months of 2020 that the previous owners of the coffee kiosk in Seeley were selling the lease. In March, she was able to get the space and started prepping for the summer. 

All three stores, including the Seeley Lake location, are open with accommodations for COVID. Callison said working for herself has now been a large part of her life experience. Her business model is built on consistency, both with the coffee served and being open during the hours listed.

Jackie's Espresso sells Treasure State Espresso, a Helena-based roasting company, for their coffee. They also sell most coffee drinks, including frappes, as well as an energy drink called Bull Blasters. 

For food, Jackie's Espresso offers pre-packaged items including muffins and pastries. Callison thought about having ice cream too but opted not to after her grandson said she couldn't compete against the Ice Cream Place. 

Jackie's Espresso is open from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. as a part of the summer schedule. Though the hours are not set in stone for the rest of the year, Callison said she would honor them and be open year round.

"There will be dependable hours," Callison said. "When we say we are going to be there 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. we are going to be there 7-2. I'm all about that, whether we are busy or not."

Jackie's Espresso can be reached at 406-677-7673.