It’s tough to stand out in a coffee scene like Portland, Oregon. This place has been a home to great coffee for decades, and today boasts one of the highest number of coffee shops per capita of any city in the United States. But a new coffee bar on the SW Waterfront is going big by staying small, and prioritizing sustainability and self-sufficiency as a foundational part of their identity. Put these guys new on your must-visit list while in the Rose City: this is Our Spot PDX in Portland, Oregon.
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.
As told to Sprudge by Matthew Cada.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
We are a low impact, plant-based coffee shop located along the waterfront in Portland, Oregon! Our passion is to make amazing coffee and focus on practicing sustainability with our products.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
It’s a small little shop next to a beautiful garden, and we painted the entire inside green to highlight the unique space. Large windows that open so lots of sunlight. Comfy for a hangout or go outside and enjoy the garden filled with beautiful plants and flowers.
What’s your approach to coffee?
As being in the coffee industry for 15 years I have harnessed the unique skillset and importance of harboring community within the shop. As having my own shop I wanted to make a safe space where I can highlight our delicious products, while also using fresh local products. Within coffee there is so much waste that is forgotten about, at our spot we wanted to show that we can make great coffee, bring in a local community, all while having a low impact on the environment around us.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
We use a La Marzocco 2AV, along with two grinders for two different espresso, we use coffee from a local small batch roaster, Ace Run Roasting.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Our entire business model is outlined with the idea of sustainability. We encourage our customers to bring their own cups in for a discount or they can use one of our to-go glass jars that they can return next time and we clean. This is a practice to cut down on paper and plastic waste that would normally be thrown away. We have house made plant based milk options, along with seasonal local organic syrups and sauces also made in house. The only waste we create is compost!
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened on April 1st, 2024!
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
We made our own bar and try to do everything ourselves.
Thank you!
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to spread our message about having a sustainable movement in coffee!
The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia and Ghirardelli.
