Caffe Parousia was a business that was well ahead of its time in North Kitsap. In the early 1990s, the vast majority of people in this region likely had very little idea how to order a non-fat, double tall mocha and probably had no clue what cappuccino was all about.

It’s almost surreal to think of a time when one couldn’t walk a block in Seattle without passing one or six Starbucks — now it’s a fact of life. People didn’t know the difference between a grande latte and chai. Little did we all know that we had been drinking “Americanos” for years.

The point here is that the owners of Caffe Parousia were among the drive-thru espresso leaders here in North Kitsap. Now they are being forced to bow out due to the expansion of State Route 305 through Poulsbo. In short, Little Norway — and North Kitsap at large — is losing a coffee icon.

The widening of the roadway is expected to help move traffic through Poulsbo but businesses, like the Caffe, that rely on drop in customers will suffer huge losses. Seeing this, the owners wisely pulled the plug.

We can’t help but wonder who’s next.

The widening plans met an uproar a few years ago but this has since quieted considerably. Even so, we hope the city and Washington State Department of Transportation fully consider their plans before implementing them.

How viable are they for the businesses along the stretch? How circuitous a route will patrons have to endure to get there?

Nine times out of 10 in this on-the-go culture, motorists aren’t willing to drive excessively out of their way to reach a business or restaurant. Residents might drive to Poulsbo to dine but will they be willing to fight additional traffic along SR 305 to grab a bite or shop, or will they head elsewhere?

Business owners along the stretch are likely asking themselves the same question.

Our question to the state and city is, “What exactly are you going to do about it?”