New Coffee Shop opens on FM 2353

Story by Michelle Ince – Photo by Erika Carter

Pictured above:  Kaylee Board, Jacob Sims and Chelsey Leathers are ready to serve you at The Perk of PK

The Perk of PK is a new business on FM 2353 that’s only been open for a few months, but it already has its own regulars – and Jacob Sims, his father, Jeff, his fiancé, Kaylee Board, and his older brother, Josh, are enjoying being new business owners on the lake.

Lattes are the most popular order at the moment, but Jacob Sims said he is steadily trying to expand the taste range of his customers.

“I like to let people try what they don’t think they would like,†he said.

Jeff Sims added that even though he and his family have only recently become full-time residents, they have a long history with the lake. His uncle built Lakeview Lodge not long after the lake was dammed, and Lakeview, as it was known then, sat where Juniper Ridge is now.

He said his uncle owned the business from the late 1940s until he passed away in the 1970s. His cousin then took it over but ended up selling it in the 1980s.

“I grew up getting to come here in the summers and go to my uncle’s lodge and whatnot, and I always loved the lake and loved being here,†Jeff Sims said.

He said that even though the family business sold, his cousins kept the old family home on Park Road 36. Family reunions, funerals, wedding receptions and other gatherings all happened out there, he said, adding: “The lake has really been the centerpiece of our life.â€

Jeff Sims said life went full circle for him after he sold another family business last March. He said he thought he might get to retire, but his oldest son needed something to do, so the two went into business together by opening PK Print. After that, Jacob Sims and his fiancé began coming out frequently and decided they wanted to make a move to PK, too.

Jeff Sims said that after hearing locals complain about not having a coffee shop at the lake, he and his family contemplated opening a coffee shop of their own. By chance, they were at Lush Resort and were talking about their plans to open a coffee shop with bartender Chelsey Leathers, who’s from the state of Washington and had been a bartender there for more than a decade.

Jeff Sims said Leathers played a key role in developing a menu and sourcing coffee beans for their venture, and she even had coffee shop management experience that has been instrumental in the success of The Perk of PK.

He added that opening in the offseason helped allow them to hone their business acumen – and to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

Board said her favorite part of the business is being in a small community. She said everyone is so nice, and “regulars come in with a smile on their face.â€

The Perk opens at 6 a.m., and although the business is focusing on coffee right now, plans include popsicles and running specials as well.

Jacob Sims said he would love to see people come in and spend time studying or just coming together with friends to gather, so whether customers want to order a traditional latte or try a Red Bull Italian Soda instead, The Perk is ready to serve PK.