Portland Roasting Readies First Retail Cafes at OCC

Portland Roasting Co. — the wholesale specialty roaster with clients ranging from PSU to the Pacific Pie Co. and Stepping Stone Cafe — will open its first two retail locations, both located in the Oregon Convention Center, by the end of the year. According to a report in the Oregonian business section, Portland Roasting will occupy former Starbucks spaces in the center after selling itself as a more eco-friendly alternative to the Seattle-based giant. And the space takeover is part of Portland Roasting's expansion plans, according to the O: "It's targeting licensed stores — the small shops and kiosks that already brew coffee under a different name — to build its brand without adding hefty operating costs."

It's been a busy week for Portland Roasting — a few days ago, Roast magazine named the company its "Roaster of the Year." The first cafe is scheduled to open, according to the Facebooks, by the end of the month.
· Portland Roasting Enters the Retail Coffee Scene [OregonLive]
· Portland Roasting Co. [Official site]

Image of Portland Roasting @ OCC courtesy Facebook