Flying M Coffeehouse

Flying M Coffeehouse is a prominent fixture in the Idaho coffee scene, established in 1992 in downtown Boise. The company originated as a small coffee shop and has since expanded into a multi-location operation, including sites in Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, and McCall. The name 'Flying M' is derived from the family ranch of the original owners, Kevin and Lisa Myers, who founded the business alongside a partner named Perk.

The company’s transition into a roasting operation occurred in 1995, three years after its founding. For many years, the business utilized a 12-kilo Diedrich drum roaster to produce its signature blends, such as its long-standing Espresso Blend and House Blend, as well as various single-origin offerings. In 2023, the company upgraded its production capabilities by installing a Loring S35 Kestrel roaster at its Nampa location, known as the 'Coffeegarage,' which serves as the central hub for its roasting activities.

Ownership of the company shifted in 2011 when Kent Collins, who began his tenure at the company as a barista in 1999 and later served as manager, purchased the business from the original founders. This continuity in leadership has been a hallmark of the brand, which emphasizes long-term relationships with its customer base and a deep integration into the local community fabric of Idaho.

Beyond its coffee production, Flying M is characterized by its 'coffeehouse' model, which pairs house-roasted coffee with in-house scratch-made pastries. The company maintains a distinct aesthetic that often incorporates off-beat gifts, local art, and community event spaces, such as craft markets and public cupping classes, which are hosted at the Nampa facility to educate consumers on the roasting process.

In practice, the company operates as a vertically integrated retail and roasting business. By controlling the roasting process, Flying M aims to highlight the specific characteristics of the specialty coffees it sources. The company’s operational philosophy centers on consistency and community engagement, with its various locations serving as hubs for social interaction, business meetings, and local gatherings.

The company’s longevity—spanning over three decades—has allowed it to become a generational staple in Boise and surrounding areas. It is frequently cited as a primary example of a successful, locally owned independent coffee brand that has managed to scale while maintaining a consistent identity centered on the combination of fresh roasting and a welcoming, multi-purpose physical environment.