From Yakima to O street: The Story of Lincoln Espresso

Audie Stroud and Lincoln Espresso's tale begins in his college days in Yakima, Washington. 

BY MARCUS FERTIG

Working nights and attending school during the day, Audie was a hardworking student, fueled by countless cups of rich Washington coffee. 

His mother joked, “Why are you buying so much coffee? It would be cheaper for you to just buy the store.” Audie did not take this as a joke; he took it quite literally. 

Lincoln Ave. Espresso in Yakima can be credited as the spark behind the Lincoln Espresso we know and love today. “I really liked the name, as you can tell,” says Audie Stroud, founder of Lincoln Espresso.

Taking his mother’s advice, Audie asked the owner for any opportunity, and the timing was right. Lincoln Ave. Espresso happened to be selling a portable store to sell coffee out of, and from there, Audie took the risk and began his coffee-selling journey.  

Audie trained in that portable coffee shop like a Jedi, mastering techniques and memorizing drinks. “That summer, I learned how to make all the drinks, I knew how to make the machines work, and I really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of it all,” recalls Audie.  

Now that the store was his own, Audie hit the road.  “True story, I wanted to go to Texas but I ran out of gas,” says Audie with a laugh, “I met a trucker who told me to stop in Lincoln for a football game… well, look where I am today.”  

After settling in Lincoln, Audie caught wind that the state fair was coming to town and jumped at the chance to sell his coffee.  “I loved it. I met a ton of friends and connections,” says Audie. I knew Lincoln was a great fit.” 

After gaining some momentum, it was time for an upgrade. Audie came across the downtown Lincoln Espresso property 28 years ago.

Tucked into a busy corner, he transformed the space into an iconic Lincoln location. It is now one of the longest-running businesses on O Street, with an incredible reputation and love from Lincoln residents.  

“We just aim to give people a quality cup of coffee and give them a reason to come back,” explains Audie.”  Lincoln Espresso is a go-to for professionals, college students, and just about anyone needing a coffee or smoothie downtown.

Audie Stroud began his journey with Lincoln Espresso on the road, and after 28 years, he has one of the most iconic businesses in Downtown Lincoln.

Lincoln Espresso embodies the same passion and quality as Audie during his younger days in Yakima, Washington, from handcrafted coffee to smoothies and infusions.

The truck driver who told Audie to stop in Lincoln for a football game might not have known it then, but he helped steer a legend into town.  

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