Joined by throng of well wishers, community members, customers and family Mark Mullet and Jonathan Stebbins cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening of Alki Coffee. - Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream on Alki beach April 26. 

Rachel Porter, Executive Director, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce introduced them to the community for the event.

Mullet said, "I'll be honest, the person we really have to thank is Jon" Noting that he had started four other businesses on the eastside and  "I decided it was time to honor his request that he's had out there for like 9 years now, which was 'Can we please do something in my neighborhood' and it's been great to be here and during the construction process.It doesn't feel like Seattle. It feels like a whole separate city. It's like a completely different, much more of a small town village feel here. ...I spent more time in West Seattle about last 6 months than I have in the previous 52 years of my life and I've fallen in love with it. So, it's been nice to be part of this community and here's a guy you really should thank because we wouldn't be here," he concluded handing the microphone to Co-owner Stebbins.

Stebbins said "Thank you very much. It's been a long long process starting back three years ago with Susie over there in the corner when we were looking for space. And so, big shout out to Susie who has done a lot of work in helping me and Mark find this location down here and securing it. And it takes a lot of people for sure from our design and architecture team to putting this together, our contractors to build this beautiful space. Both teams on the side and Ben & Jerry's and everybody here working their butts off."

The soft open was last Wednesday and Stebbins said that thus far he's been very surprised by the amount of food sold. The shop offers Acai bowls, crepes and breakfast (and other) sandwiches. When asked how much Ice Cream they've already sold he said. "I have no idea.. but it's a lot!"