Photo Courtesy of Casper Altman.
A new coffee shop near St. Ambrose University is giving students a reason to step off their usual coffee path. Makenna Koffee’s Hawaiian inspired drinks have quickly brought new energy to coffee runs in Davenport.
The Davenport location opened on December 3, 2025, and is the first Makenna Koffee franchise outside of California. The original shop opened in Los Angeles in 2019. Owner Aron Lees, who was born and raised in the Quad Cities, said he wanted to bring something new to the area, noting that local communities often receive trends later than larger cities
Inside, the shop boasts a trendy, Hawaiian inspired design that creates a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Lees described the atmosphere as a space where “awesome human beings hang out and stir up great energy for studying, working, or creating amazing things.”
He says one of the biggest draws at Makenna Koffee is its signature Maui Milk, a house made, creamy blend used in many of the shop’s most popular drinks, including the Maui Latte. While the exact recipe remains a secret, it is believed to include ingredients such as half and half, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk. The mystery surrounding the blend has sparked conversation on social media. The shop also uses Canadian milk for standard drinks, which has a higher fat content that helps distinguish its lattes from others in the area.
Makenna Koffee is also looking to build stronger connections with St. Ambrose University students. The shop currently offers rewards programs and plans to host events and collaborations as the weather warms up. Students are encouraged to follow the shop on Instagram for updates.
Many Ambrose students shared positive reactions to the new coffee shop. Senior nursing major Nadia Lee said, “I love their coffee, but I love their prices even more. It’s very affordable compared to most coffee places around here.”
Her classmate, senior nursing major, Rylee Pfoutz agreed, saying the shop’s vibe stands out. She described the space as clean, upbeat, and welcoming, adding that the staff is friendly and helpful, especially given the large menu.
Freshman exercise science major, Ava English, recommends “The Legend” (a vanilla and caramel macchiato topped with Kona Cloud, otherwise known as cold foam).
Ambrose Alumni employee, Beyonce Gonzalez, said her go to drink is the Mexican Mocha. “It reminds me of my childhood and is perfect for a cold day,” she said. Gonzalez added that working at Makenna Koffee has been a positive experience and praised the strong sense of community among staff and customers.
Students say with its island flavors, affordable prices, and welcoming atmosphere, Makenna Koffee is quickly becoming a popular destination for St. Ambrose students looking for a new place to study, socialize, or grab a quality cup of coffee.
