From Enchiladas to Espresso: Ixtapa Owners Take Over Sorrento's

Sorrento's, Redmond Ridge's only independent coffee shop, has re-opened its doors under new ownership after closing its doors for a few months earlier this year.

Co-owner Elena Areco, who also runs the nearby Ixtapa Mexican restaurant with her husband, said Sorrento's has been back in business since mid-May. Although the interior remains largely unchanged, Areco, her husband and a third owner, Dayana Sanchez, have expanded the coffee shop's offerings to include breakfast sandwiches and ice cream.

Sanchez, a Bellevue resident, is the only owner who had previous barista experience, Areco said.

"It's like a big adventure for me," said Areco, who lives in Duvall. "It's something new, but it's fun."

Sorrento's previous owner had cited the coffee shop's location away from a main roadway as an impediment to its success. Areco said the new owners have been working to increase their visibility with better signage, while also emphasizing customer service to keep people coming back.

Business has been "getting better," Areco said, with many customers discovering Sorrento's through its sister business.

"We have a lot of the same customers from Ixtapa come in here," she said.

Sorrento's is located at 22310 NE Marketplace Drive and offers sit-down and drive-through service. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Phone: 425-836-1500.