A new coffee shop owner is hoping to help Gilman Village return to its “pre-Costco” days, when it thrived with tourists.

A Liberty High School graduate, the village was a part of Ryan Heidy’s old stomping ground. He’s now glad to open the Issaquah Coffee Company.

“You love home, and this is where I grew up,” he said.

Once the location of Grimaldis, the former farm house was painted with brighter colors and fixed with double the lighting.

He serves hand-pressed espresso and handmade desserts from nearby bakers.

The coffee bar was moved so that baristas could face customers when preparing drinks.

“I’m just excited to have another coffee shop,” said customer Kristina Struve.

Using Stumptown coffee, from a small Seattle roaster, the shop is also about offering a good alternative to Starbucks, Heidy said.

A play area was setup for children, and by summer he hopes to open up the boardwalk with outdoor seating.

Expect live music and community activities. The wifi is free and at this point he doesn’t mind “campers,” he said.

The cafe opened a half day for Halloween trick-or-treaters, and had about 150 transactions in a few hours. Since things have slowed down.

On the far end of the village, the biggest challenge is getting the word out about the coffee shop, he said. “We’re really excited to be a part of the community.”