B-2 Barista Café: Keeping the mission going with a satisfying taste

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keenan Berry
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE, Mo. --  The fresh aroma of coffee beans fills the air as ice blends together to create a caffeine sensation. The creamy white froth compliments the cappuccino's smooth taste and smell from the spices of chai tea entices customers to rush and enjoy its unique flavor.

This is the environment of the 509th Force Support Squadron Mission's End Club B-2 Barista Café. The café serves coffee and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1p.m., Monday to Friday. The café recently opened April 7 and offers an assortment of different items to satisfy the base populace.

"For morning options, we have a variety of Starbucks drinks such as cappuccino and iced coffee," said Courtney Clements, 509th FSS barista. "For lunch options, we offer daily specials along with separate choices such as burgers, chicken tender baskets, sandwiches, wraps and sandwiches."

Like most shops, restaurants and businesses, there are good and bad days.

"A bad day is when it's really slow and we don't have as much business as we like," said Natalie Karagianis, 509th FSS cashier. "A good day is when we have almost a line outside the door; people waiting to eat our food and have our Starbucks drinks. Typically, our good days are Wednesdays for our roast beef sandwich and Fridays because it's the end of the week."

The new café offers some added variety when it comes to the food establishments on base.

"The benefit of the new coffee shop is their location on base, making it convenient for people to grab a bite to eat and relax without having to go to Knob Noster or Warrensburg," Clements said. "The only thing I would like to see improvement with is the hours. Some people can't make it to the shop within the given time frame due to various lunch schedules or the constant changes in work schedules."

Overall, customers are satisfied with the Mission's End new coffee shop.

"I love the new coffee shop," said Sheri Gray, spouse of Master Sgt. Donald Gray and a café customer. "I like the variety, the baristas and the fact I don't have to drive off base to Sedalia to get a Starbucks drink. It's very convenient!"