Taylor Jensen’s military background and love of coffee converged into Cowpoke Coffee, a veteran-owned roastery now operating two locations across the Pocatello area. The business reflects Jensen’s journey from barista work in Hawaii to opening a locally roasted coffee operation that has attracted a growing customer base with distinctive drink offerings.
Jensen’s connection to the coffee industry began during her husband’s military service in Oahu. While stationed there, Jensen worked as a barista on Pearl Harbor, an experience that planted the seeds for her later entrepreneurial venture. That foundation in specialty beverage crafting shaped the menu at Cowpoke Coffee, which emphasizes house-roasted beans and creative iced coffee combinations.
Menu Highlights and Signature Drinks
The roastery’s drink lineup includes three standout offerings that Jensen recommends to regular customers. The Banana Bread combines iced coffee with banana, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a breakfast-inspired flavor profile. The Side Saddle pairs iced coffee with white chocolate and pistachio, delivering a nuttier, sweeter alternative. The Campfire—an iced mocha topped with caramel and toasted marshmallow—rounds out the trio of popular choices.
Jensen approaches drink development methodically. When creating new beverages, she prepares test batches in batches of 12 cups, refining flavors before adding them to the permanent menu. “Don’t knock it till you try it,” Jensen told the EastIdahoNews.com, encouraging customers to experiment with unfamiliar combinations. When asked about her top recommendations, she points to the same three drinks repeatedly. “Anytime someone asks, ‘What’s your top 3 (drinks)?’ These are always the recommendations,” Jensen said.
Locations and Hours
Cowpoke Coffee operates a permanent storefront at 10466 North Yellowstone Highway and a coffee trailer at 1905 East Sunnyside Road. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Saturday hours running from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business maintains an active social media presence on Instagram and TikTok, where Jensen shares menu updates and customer features.
As a veteran-owned enterprise, Cowpoke Coffee adds to Bannock County’s growing roster of service-member-founded businesses. The roastery’s emphasis on quality local roasting and creative flavor combinations reflects a broader trend in Southeast Idaho toward artisanal food and beverage operations that prioritize craftsmanship over mass production.
What Comes Next
Jensen continues to expand the menu and refine operations at both locations. Customers interested in sampling Cowpoke Coffee can visit either site during posted hours or connect with the business through social media for drink specials and seasonal offerings.