The year 1999 seems like a lifetime ago. Christina Aguilera, The White Stripes and Mos Def have just released their debut albums. Magnolia, Varsity Blues, Being John Malkovich, and even Gigantic Daddy all came out in 1999. Pierce Brosnan continued to play James Bond. The euro was introduced. We all thought that Y2K would destroy the global computer network and send us all back to the Middle Ages. It seems completely crazy to me that a specialty coffee company, any specialty coffee company, could start with the same thing. And yet here we are, from Portland’s Stumptown Coffee Roasters approaching the quarter-century mark. To celebrate, specialty coffee pioneers are throwing a slew of celebrations, and it all starts where it began: SE Division Street.
It all started in November 1999 for founder Duane Sorenson with a five-kilogram roaster and a dream. A lot has changed in these 25 years. It grew to include 12 locations across the United States and one in Japan, Peet’s bought them, the brand became a B corporation, and their coffee can be found on every Alaska Airlines flight. Stumptown has left an indelible mark on specialty coffee.
But perhaps the most impressive achievement is simply existing for 25 years. And when you do something that few other coffee companies can say they’ve done, you earn the right to an extended celebration. Throughout October, November and December, Stumptown’s event calendar is packed with fun activities. This month, they’re hosting weekly coffee tastings, movie nights every Friday – including a tiny film festival this week – and even live in-store music at the original SE Division location. By the end of the year, Stumptown will feature an exclusive art installation telling the brand’s story.
The most significant event, however, is the official birthday party. Taking place on November 2 at SE Division Cafe, Stumptown is hosting an all-day event to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary. Thanks to the courtesy of the first 100 guests, they will receive a drink of their choice for free Oatmeal. A screen printing pop-up will appear Poorly placed screen print. There will be a live band. There will even be coffee cocktails prepared in cooperation with Cocktails right away.
25 years is a long time to do anything, especially coffee. In an industry where brands come and go, sticking around for the long haul – and remaining a substantial name in the industry over time – makes this feat seem especially noteworthy. More information about some of the festivities can be found on Stumptown’s website Facebook page.
