Business & Development, Springfield

‘Pumped’ up for new beginning

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, the Pump Cafe hosted a ribbon cutting celebrating its new ownership — Chloe Nossaman, 19, a recent Thurston High School gradate.

“I just graduated high school; I didn’t want to go to college, I wanted something creative,” Nossaman said modestly. “When the opportunity arose, I said ‘I can do this.’ This is what I’m gonna do. And I made it happen. And now we’re here.” 

Vonnie Mikkelsen, CEO of Springfield Chamber of Commerce, says she admires Nossaman for going against the grain.

“After graduation she didn’t just accept the status quo. She had some ideas and she worked really hard to get to where she is today. Many understand how difficult it is to first of all, work for a business … but let alone own a business, and take it under your control, and then have employees and see the opportunity and help it flourish,” Mikkelsen said. 

Nossaman worked at the Pump Cafe since she was 17, always going above and beyond, replacing the lights, replacing shelf paper and buying supplies.  

“She showed initiative to do this. So that absolutely helped when the previous owner was looking to transition,” said Charlotte Nossaman, Chloe’s mother. 

According to Charlotte, her daughter has always been a go-getter. 

“Ever since she was little she’s been picking her own outfits, doing her thing, organizing, decorating. She loves a good get together for sure. She always loved to plan themed birthday parties with me and was always coming up with ideas,” Charlotte said. “It’s fun. To watch her … It’s just been a really proud moment for me.”

The staff at the Pump Cafe have given Nossaman a warm welcome. “The staff is so friendly and supportive,” Nossaman said. 

So much so that every member stayed on when ownership changed hands. Nossaman has hired even more staff and will continue to keep making changes. 

Under her ownership, Nossaman is implementing an updated menu, new signage and even a joke board with a “joke of the week” on it. 

“Chloe is a very young new business person. It’s remarkable. I love to see that,” said Springfield City Council president Steve Moe. 

In the future, Nossaman wants to update the paint inside and give the kitchen a good deep clean — something she is eager to get started on. 

“She’s the literal, ‘be the change you want to see in the world,’” type of person, said Vahanna Keene, Economic Development Officer and the Property Manager for the City of Springfield. 

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