What Goes Into Your Favorite Coffee Shop?

Diana Naramore • June 3, 2019

Share this article

Two white BALLARD mugs on a wooden table, one filled with black coffee and one with a latte.
Stack of sliced banana bread with a browned crust on a white surface
Close-up of an espresso machine with portafilter and a white cup underneath
Sip and Ship ceos naramore family business Sip and Ship CEOs

Coffee shops have become the fabric of our communities. They are places that make you feel good, warm you up, start your day or keep you going. Three coffee experiences stand out in our minds that inspired the evolution of Sip and Ship.
​
​
Our first experience was as young, workingprofessionals. Steve and I would pull into a Starbucks in Los Angeles where we got our soy vanilla lattes. The experience was quick and reliable, but what we really looked forward to was the warmth and conversation in the car on the way to work when we would sip and dream about opening up our own coffee shop someday.

The second coffee shop we liked to frequent was a locally owned one called Tanner’s Coffee in Marina Del Rey. While it wasn’t on our regular route, we always found a great cup of coffee and interesting things to observe, from the variety of coffee roasts to the selection of pastries and plates they would be served on. The most eye-catching for us was a picture of a little boy on their wall whose name was Tanner, also affectionately known as the “CEO.” This sense of community is something that you file in the back of your brain when you begin to cultivate what matters to you.

The third coffee shop cemented into our minds was in the middle of Tuscany, Italy. The name escapes us but we can remember the feeling it left us with. This coffee shop had an ancient silver espresso machine and served us cappuccinos in hearty white cups and saucers that conveyed quality. The coffee was amazing and we savored them in their back courtyard in wire chairs on crooked flagstone with lush green plants, soaked in golden sunshine. Sharing the courtyard with us were three small turtles roaming freely among the customers. Our firstborn son, Joe was with us (18 months old) and was able to curiously observe the swirly designs of their shells while feeding them lettuce.

This is all to say that our Sip and Ship cafes serve you in unique ways. While we cannot be everything to everyone, we are welcoming to all. Our distinct and highly curated house-made treats are very special. From sweet to savory, our banana bread slices are thick, seasonal salads fresh and turkey-pesto sandwiches are always deeply satisfying. Our coffee is locally roasted by Herkimer Coffee - whose operating standards are high, producing quality and delicious coffee. Our ambiance is casual, friendly and uplifting - our team always wants you to feel glad you came.

We look forward to seeing you very soon!

Diana and Your Sip and Ship Team
#coffee #coffeeshop #greatcoffee #greatfood #greatpeople #goodvibes #gatheringplace #simplethingsinlife #whatmatters #community #localcoffee #localroaster #localbusiness

Open-faced sandwiches with green spread and white topping arranged on a tray
Pastries on white cake stands in a bakery display, including a croissant and crumb cake.
Salad with orange slices, cucumber, greens, walnuts, and bowls of dressing and cheese

Recent Posts

Wrapped gift with a red and white peppermint-swirl ornament on the bow
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Spirit Week at Sip and Ship in Greenwood: holiday gifts, wrapping and shipping help. Ship by Dec 15 for Christmas; open Sundays 10–5 through Dec 20.
Embroidered bear ornament in a party hat on a folded grey throw
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Small Business Saturday is Nov 28. Find thoughtful gifts at Sip and Ship in Greenwood, and we'll gift wrap and ship them. Open Sundays 10–5 in December.
Embroidered felt heart ornament beside boxed taper candles at Sip and Ship
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Candy Cane Lane comes to Sip and Ship in Greenwood: holiday shipping, gift wrapping, seasonal gift sets and café treats. Open Sundays 10–5 through Dec 20.
Diana and Steve Naramore, co-founders of Sip and Ship, in their Greenwood shop
By Diana Naramore • October 10, 2026
Sip and Ship turns 24. Free lattes and fresh treats on Thursday, Oct 15, plus what 24 years have taught Diana and Steve about running a small business.
A navy
By Diana Naramore • August 23, 2026
Small rituals matter: a latte, a handwritten note, neighbors who help. Buy five cards, get $1 off a latte or pastry, and hear why we're all helpers.
PhinneyWood ArtWalk at Sip and Ship in Greenwood, Seattle
By Diana Naramore • August 9, 2026
A little wild. A little wonderful. A whole lot of treasure. Join us August 14-15 for the PhinneyWood ArtWalk, featuring Blossom Dearie Vintage at Sip and Ship.
Iced cold brew at Sip and Ship coffee shop in Greenwood, Seattle
By Diana Naramore • July 19, 2026
The little things that make a neighborhood feel like home — cold brew afternoons, the Greenwood Cap, handwritten notes, camp care packages, and college move-in.
What Began Across The Counter 2
By Diana Naramore • July 5, 2026
A longtime customer asked why I still show up after twenty-four years of running Sip and Ship. The answer led to a quiet ranch and a rescued Mustang named JuJu.
Best Cold Brew Coffee In Seattle Sip and Ship
By Diana Naramore • June 22, 2026
Your cold brew is poured, your packages are ready, and Seattle is calling. Sip and Ship is your summer HQ for Mariner Cold Brew and camp care packages.
Moments Worth Marking 17
By Diana Naramore • June 1, 2026
For the milestones, the movements, and the everyday in between. Seattle is stepping into its most vibrant season — and they're all worth marking.
Show More