Scooter’s marks first month in Washington

WASHINGTON — Chamber members and employees gathered Scooter’s Coffee in Washington Friday morning for a ribbon cutting that marked the drive-thru chain’s first month of business in the city.

Executives said business was booming, despite a controversial location — the former cite of the historical Winfield Smouse House — and some complaints about the driveway’s exit design.

“This is probably in the top third of our stores as far as opening week,” Scooter’s Director of Operations Rob Bowers said. “That’s competing against a store in the Quad Cities, that’s competing against Burlington, Ottumwa. You guys stepped up, and we’re certainly excited to be there. I think the ceiling in Washington is high.”

Bowers said the store had surprisingly little trouble finding staff, despite a workforce shortage reported by many businesses in the area.

“We’re still getting applications,” he said. “We’ve been very fortunate there … there’s no late nights, no fryers, so that helps.”

In another deviation from the norm, Bowers said Washington’s spot was the 13-store franchise group’s number one location for use of a mobile app made by the brand.

“Almost 10% of people that come through here have already paid for their order on the app,” he said. “I don’t get it, but certainly Washington gets it … you may be a quaint little town, but you’re certainly sophisticated when it comes to technology.”

Scooter’s Coffee Franchisee Jeremy Music said the location was picked thanks to his acquaintance with Former City Administrator Brent Hinson.

“I came up here and looked around and thought, ‘Sure, why not?’” he said. “I love the town.”

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