Step inside Park Hill’s Torpedo Coffee any day of the week, and chances are you’ll see Kat Lent standing behind the counter, brewing espresso and catching up with regulars. In fact, Lent, who was hired to manage the shop just weeks after it opened in 2018, said she’s only taken four days off this year.

“That’s a lot for the last three years,” she admitted.

Years ago, she owned Wireworks Coffee in Pueblo. “It was really hard to keep it going in that area. It’s pretty much a blue-collar town,” Lent said.

When she joined Torpedo, it was owned by Kyle and Fallene Wells. It was then sold to Atlas Coffee, which is owned by Brad and Robin Heykoop, and Lent was offered partial ownership so long as she kept the business operating and profitable.

Lent has spent years running the café, but now, with the Heykoops looking to make a change, she has been offered the chance to buy them out. And with a little help from the community, she hopes to make it happen.

A couple of months ago, Lent began a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds. Recently, at the suggestion of a customer, she put together a silent auction to further her cause.

“I’ve had so many people come in to give me donations for the auction,” she said.

Among those who have donated items are Amber Albaugh, a Denver maker, and Cliff, who is the visual arts director at Denver School of the Arts (DSA), just down the street from the shop.

“You can tell by her slew of regulars she and the staff accept anyone and everyone from all walks of life,” said Albaugh, who moved here from Ohio two years ago. She said she sees Lent’s unique vibe and taste reflected throughout the cafe, including in the artwork lining the walls.

A regular since Torpedo opened, Cliff looks forward to getting coffee during work breaks. He donated a custom skateboard with original artwork for the auction.

“I typically become a regular at the places I like and want to see spaces like this be successful,” he said.

Lent understands Park Hill’s vibe and has managed to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive space that resonates with her clientele.

“When we first started, we had two sandwiches coming from elsewhere. But I’ve slowly added items, and the whole menu is my creation,” she said.

As full owner, she hopes to make burritos and baked goods in-house. She also hopes to stay open later into the day and offer customers the chance to rent the space for small gatherings.

“I still own a certain amount because I’m part partner but coming up with $30,000 or $40,000 by myself is almost impossible being a barista,” she said.

If she’s unable to raise the full amount, Lent says she’s prepared to seek a business loan to keep Torpedo, which is more than just a coffee shop to many in the neighborhood.

“We stop most Saturdays after the farmers market, and they are so friendly and happy to see us,” said Central Park resident Kelly W., who didn’t want her last name used. “I would be very sad to see it leave. The whole aura of Oneida is the originality of the area.”

For Lent, getting to know her customers is the best part of the job, and some have become like family. She had a medical emergency at work a couple of years ago and said many helped her get back to where she is now. She is also connected with DSA families and regularly attends and supports their events.

“Many people work from home now, too, so we’re often the only people they see all day,” said Lent. “I get to know everybody’s story and what’s going on in their life. That’s always memorable.”

Front Porch photos by Christie Gosch