Mountain Moka owner celebrates 25 years of making coffee

By Ty Walker, The Sandy Standard

This year marks the silver anniversary of Tina Hovey taking ownership of Mountain Moka. It was 25 years ago this September that she and Mike Giusto, her brother and business partner, bought the popular coffee shop off Highway 26 in Sandy.

Tina is planning a special day sometime in September with some giveaways at Mountain Moka to celebrate the occasion. The date of the event and other details will be announced at a later date. As the slogan on its website says: “Where the best coffee and the base of Mount Hood meet.”

Established in 1992 as a drive-through coffee kiosk, the original owners expanded the small business over the years. They moved into the building, where it stands today near the old site, before Tina purchased it in 2001.

It developed a reputation as a favorite coffee joint among locals and travelers alike. When the original owners, who are Tina’s friends, offered it to her, she couldn’t refuse.

“It was offered to us and we couldn’t pass it up,” Tina said. “Who doesn’t love coffee?”

Mountain Moka, whose name is stylized by intentionally misspelling “Moka,” is known for its wide selection of mochas. But its bagel breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos are big draws as well. 

Tina has continued the expansion that began under the original owners, making it more than just another coffee shop. The food has become equally important, and so popular that Mountain Moka is getting a good reputation as a great place to eat.

“We’re a mocha shop,” Tina said. “We have a huge collection of mocha options. We’re much more of a cafe than I thought we’d ever be. We have some really popular breakfast sandwiches made on bagels and breakfast burritos, grilled sandwiches, and deli sandwiches. We have a lot of food, more than just mocha.”

The cafe is about 1,600 square feet, with seating for about 20. There’s a large patio out front that’s popular in the spring and summer. 

Business is booming year round, with an average of 300 customers a day.

Open 12 hours a day, seven days a week, Tina manages a staff of 15 employees.

 “We’re pretty busy, very visible,” Tina said. “We have a really high volume. We’re in an ideal location on Highway 26. We have good parking. We have seasonal regulars from October to February. It’s an awesome boost. It’s a bonus for us. In summer we have the summer travelers –  that’s huge business. The core is the regulars, the ones that come in every day. Those keep us alive.”

A Yelp online reviewer gave Mountain Moka 5 stars and posted: 

“Starting the year with a visit here sets the perfect tone thanks to their delicious coffee and affordable, tasty food options. The friendly staff consistently create a warm atmosphere, whether you choose to sit inside or enjoy the outdoor patio. With a diverse menu featuring standout items like the everything breakfast bagel and unique drinks such as the spiced hazelnut latte, this local favorite never disappoints.”

Tina grew up in Gresham and moved in the early 1992 to Sandy, where she lives with her husband, Roy on a 12 acre farm with four horses and a dog. A lot of her extended family members have worked at the cafe, including her grown adult daughters, granddaughters, and nieces over the years

Tina expressed gratitude for the local community and all the regular customers who come support her business every day. In return, she likes to give back to the community.

“We love the community,” Tina said. “We do a lot of donations. We do a lot for the city through the Sandy Action Center, the Veterans, Meals on Wheels, blanket drives, and canned food drives.

Mountain Moka is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. It is located at 17450 Meinig Ave., Sandy (off Highway 26).