Rainier Valley Coffee (RVC), founded by Amanda Faille in 2016, started as a small fish in the big pond of coffee-loving high school students. Originally based in Bonney Lake, it expanded to Maple Valley and Renton, where it found a devoted customer base at Liberty High School.
Despite noble competitors—Starbucks, Cedar River Coffee Company, and BigFoot Java—RVC’s close proximity and Faille’s company goal of fostering genuine relationships with customers set it apart. Employees’ efforts to connect with students kept them coming back, solidifying RVC as a Liberty favorite, according to Liberty students.
“RVC is my go-to because it’s so close. Honestly, it kind of made me fall in love with energy drinks,” senior Frankie McFadden said. “A lot of us hadn’t had them as freshmen, but we saw people with RVC and thought, ‘Oh man, I want to try that.’ And then you do, and it becomes part of your routine.”
Since May Valley Driving School opened nearby, many freshmen have discovered RVC while attending driver’s education classes. For some, what started as a quick stop for coffee turned into a full-fledged habit, immersing RVC into Liberty’s coffee culture.
Now, many students and teachers even prefer it for lunch.
“I used to go through the drive-thru all the time. My friends weren’t as into it, but I always preferred spending my money on coffee over food,” math teacher Alyssa Flowers said.
When Patriots flood back into school after lunch, to-go containers in hand, some take special pride in their RVC drinks, turning the last bits of ice into an impromptu instrument against plastic cups.
“When I’m teaching a lower-level or younger class, students make a big deal about the food or drinks they bring in—there’s more tension around it,” Flowers said.
For others, RVC isn’t just a lunch stop—it’s a post-school necessity to power through long nights of homework.
“I get them later in the day, so I don’t usually need them for class. I do feel like they help me stay up longer and focus on homework,” McFadden said.
After countless visits, people develop go-to orders.
“I want to try more drinks from the menu, but it feels overwhelming. And when someone’s behind you, you don’t want to take too long to read it. I usually just go with my regular order—an Americano with two pumps of hazelnut and oat milk, hot. Hot coffee is superior,” Flowers said.
Meanwhile, RVC’s creative refreshers and signature energy drinks keep customers coming back.
“I usually get the Rattlesnake unless there’s a special flavor. Trying out the special flavors is one of my favorite parts. If there’s a new RVC menu, I will be showing up,” McFadden said.
Patriots’ loyalty to RVC and excitement over new drink menus make Faille proud to serve her community.
“Thank you for letting me do what I love and making my dreams come true,” Faille said.
