Makenna Koffee Company, known for its Hawaiian theme and lattes such as the Maui Latte, the Legend and the Sandy Blonde, plans to open a second Ventura location.
The company, which started in Simi Valley and has expanded across Southern California with a lone shop outside the state in Davenport, Iowa, is proposing a café at 2148 Harbor Blvd., an empty lot in a commercial area that previously housed a Denny’s restaurant before it was demolished in 2024.
At a June 15 director’s hearing, Ventura Community Development Director Rachel Dimond approved the company’s request for permits to build a 2,000-square-foot café with a drive-thru, outdoor seating and site improvements.
The proposed site would be bordered by Wienerschnitzel to the east, an AMPM gas station and mini-mart to the west and Highway 101 to the north.
When will construction start?
Construction could begin in about seven to eight months, with a possible opening by summer 2028, depending on permit approvals, architect Josh Cardenas said after the meeting.
Dimond discussed the project’s drive-thru and mural during the hearing and approved the plans with conditions, including covering blank wall surfaces with murals and adding a “keep clear” sign at the drive-thru exit.
No members of the public spoke during the agenda item.
Plans for multiple murals will be reviewed further with ownership and the selected artist, Cardenas said.
Makenna Koffee already operates a Ventura location at 4690 Telephone Road and has other locations in Camarillo, Newbury Park and Westlake Village, according to its website. An Oxnard shop opened June 1 at 2350 E. Vineyard Ave.
The company has a handful of shops planned in Los Angeles and Orange counties, the website says.
What’s inside Makenna Koffee’s signature drinks?
The company’s signature drink is the Maui Latte, made with “handcrafted Maui milk,” offers drinks with prices ranging from $6.15 to $13.10 at the Simi Valley location online. Other offerings include the Sandy Blonde, made with white chocolate and caramel, and the Legend, a vanilla caramel macchiato.
Food items include lemon blueberry coffee cakes with lemon glaze, ham and cheese croissants and lemon poppyseed muffins.
Why did Makenna Koffee select this location?
Makenna Koffee owner Lance Clauson plans to lease the building once construction is complete.
The site became available and aligns with the company’s growing brand, prompting Clauson to move forward, Cardenas said.
For more information on Makenna Koffee Company, visit makennakoffee.com.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Makenna Koffee eyes new Ventura cafe at this former Denny’s
Reporting by Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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By Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star | USA TODAY Network
