Flying M Coffee: Brewing Community, Creativity & Queer Visibility in Idaho
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In a state better known for mountains and potatoes than progressive spaces, Flying M Coffee has been quietly brewing something extraordinary — coffee, community, and courage. What began as a single coffeehouse in Boise has become a small Idaho legacy — one built on friendship, creativity, and queer pride.
🌟 A Northwest Coffee Dream Takes Flight
The story starts in 1992, when Kevin and Lisa Myers, together with their friend Kirk Montgomery, opened the first Flying M Coffeehouse in downtown Boise. The three had met during their college years at the University of Washington, where they witnessed the Seattle coffee boom firsthand.
They brought that same passion to Idaho, first setting up shop on North 5th Street and soon expanding to accommodate the growing crowd of caffeine-loving locals. The café’s charm — mismatched furniture, quirky gifts, and a genuine neighborhood vibe — made Flying M a beloved stop for coffee, conversation, and creativity.
💌 Love in Action: Valentine for AIDS
From 1994 to 2019, Flying M hosted the iconic Valentine for AIDS art show, one of Boise’s most meaningful community events. Each February, more than 200 local artists contributed pieces to a silent auction benefiting nonprofits serving people in the Treasure Valley living with HIV/AIDS.
Over 26 years, the event raised more than half a million dollars — a heartfelt reminder that compassion and community go hand in hand.
🔥 Roasting Roots & Growth Across Idaho
In 1995, Kevin began roasting beans himself, sourcing ethically and roasting in-house on a signature purple Diedrich drum roaster at the Nampa Flying M. What began as one small coffeehouse has since expanded into a family of Flying M locations — each with its own personality but the same welcoming spirit:
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Boise Flying M Coffeehouse – Opened 1992; sold to manager Kent Collins in 2011. A consistent winner of Best of Boise in the Boise Weekly.
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Nampa Flying M Coffeegarage – Opened 2006 after transforming an old Firestone garage into a 6,000-square-foot hub for coffee, art, and community.
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Caldwell Flying M – Opened 2018 by Caleb and Tori McKim as part of Historic Downtown Caldwell’s revitalization.
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McCall Flying M Coffee Lakeside – Opened August 2024 by long-time team member Candis and her sister Carrie, bringing Flying M’s magic to Idaho’s mountain lake town.
In 2023, the Nampa Coffeegarage upgraded to a Loring S35 Kestrel roaster, and a 2024 remodel added a tasting room for cuppings and coffee classes — a testament to Flying M’s dedication to craft and connection.
🏳️🌈 A Queer-Friendly Coffeehouse in the Heart of Idaho
When Kent Collins, a long-time manager, purchased the Boise location in 2011, he brought his own heart and identity to the brand. As a gay man, Kent made sure Flying M remained a place where everyone feels welcome and seen.
“We’re definitely one of the most liberal businesses in Idaho,” Kent says. “We fly a Pride flag and a Trans flag above our front door year-round. Over half our employees are queer. As someone who knows how important safe spaces are, I want everyone to feel that sense of belonging the moment they walk in.”
In a state that’s grown increasingly conservative, Flying M stands as a symbol of resistance, hope, and community care. The Pride and Trans flags flying over the door aren’t just decoration—they’re declarations of solidarity.
“Idaho has gotten more conservative in recent years,” Kent adds. “So it’s more important than ever to keep up the good fight.”
☕ More Than Coffee — A Movement
Flying M Coffee is proof that a small business can spark big change. It’s a place where art, activism, and espresso collide—creating a space that’s as bold, colorful, and inclusive as the people who call it home.
So next time you’re in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, or McCall, stop by Flying M Coffee for a perfectly roasted cup and a reminder that community — like coffee — is strongest when it’s shared.
📍 Flying M Coffeehouse
500 W Idaho St, Boise, ID 83702
☕ flyingmcoffee.com | Follow on Instagram @flyingmcoffee