On his mind: community - with cars and coffee

Cars and coffee are two things beloved around the world, and a way to celebrate cars while drinking coffee on a monthly basis may soon find its way to the community.

Sam Hsieh, surgeon and chief medical officer at Coulee Medical Center, is also a car enthusiast. He recently bought a lot at the intersection of Main Street and Spokane Way, where he envisions people could congregate with their cars, drink coffee, and talk with their fellow community members.

"The idea is to promote how we bring the community together," said Hsieh (pronounced Shay). "Since that property is kind of the heart of Grand Coulee, it's the perfect place to do it. How do we revitalize Grand Coulee and bring the community back in? One of the ideas I have is Cars and Coffee."

"Cars & Coffee is the global phenomenon where the passion of supercar owners and enthusiasts become reality," the website http://www.cars.coffee says. "It is a world class, multibrand and multiperiod display to share the emotions conveyed by the roar of powerful engines and by the sight of so many stunning cars."

"The idea is, people who are enthusiastic about cars, trucks, and motorcycles get together once a month and provide coffee and chat about everybody's hobbies, which is cars," Hsieh said. "My idea is we could use the street parking and also parking directly on the property, which is about 5,000 square feet. There's a little patio, and that's where the lot would serve coffee scones and whatnot."

Hsieh, himself, has a 2017 Ford Shelby truck, a customized 2008 Smart ForTwo car on which the doors open vertically, as well as a Polaris Slingshot - a three-wheeled motorcycle.

"I'm not a muscle guy," Hsieh said, but there are so many people around the community that have muscle cars and hidden gems. And that was what inspired me. People tell me what they have, and it's like, 'Wow, why don't you show it?' It's often just in their garage, and I thought we could bring it together in Grand Coulee and show what we've got around here."

Hsieh said that any and all kinds of cars are welcome, not just classic cars or fancy cars.

"This property was meant to bring the community together," Hsieh said, adding the property could also potentially host open-mic nights, comedy, and more.

Hsieh can see Cars & Coffee becoming a thing at the lot as soon as May.

Those who are interested or have questions can send an email to Hsieh at jsjsanbrothers@gmail.com.