When you walk into the Big Mountain Coffee Roaster in Lincoln Beach, Oregon, and inhale the rich aroma of fresh roasted, fresh brewed coffee, the next thing you might notice is the large “Coffee Roaster” sign on the back wall behind the counter. When I asked the owner if I could photograph him next to his sign, he said, “Okay, but that’s not our signature sign. There’s a story behind that sign.”
The Story Behind Big Mountain's Sign
Brent, the owner of Big Mountain, went on to tell me that shortly after he opened his original roaster a few miles down the road in 2003, an eighty-four year-old sign maker became a regular customer. Over time Bill Ellsworth, the sign maker, developed a fondness for Brent and Big Mountain coffee. To show his appreciation, Bill wanted to make a sign for the roastery.
Bill handcrafted a sign, cut out the coffee pot and cup with a jigsaw, hand painted the sign, mounted the coffee pot and cup, and presented the sign to Brent. Bill’s career spanned half a century and he made most of the old signs that still hang in Depoe Bay shops. Bill died not too long after finishing the sign; Big Mountain’s ended up being the old sign maker’s last sign.
The sign has special meaning to Brent. When he moved his roastery to its current location in Lincoln Beach next to the Thriftway market, the sign came too.
Relax and Enjoy Big Mountain's Coffee Experience
When you look around Big Mountain, you will notice the interior is all coffee colored. The walls are painted colors starting at a latte darkening to a medium roast with no cream, the floor, medium roast with cream. The furnishings invite you to sit, sip and stay awhile, so does Brent and his exceptional skill as a roaster, barista and friendly business owner. Artfully arranged shelves offer coffee related mugs, shirts and accessories for sale. Ask at the counter for the chess pieces if you like to take your coffee with a checkmate.
Watch Coffee Theater at Big Mountain
The cage just inside the front doors adds unique ambience to Big Mountain Coffee. Secured behind chain-link are three roasters and two cruiser bicycles. If you show up during roasting time, you can watch Brent roast small batches of grade 1 select organic coffee beans from around the world from gray-green to a light roast, or all the way to my favorite, his darkest signature roast, “The Grizz.”
The only thing separating you from the roasting machines is the chain-link cage, and it’s for your safety, so you can easily see the beans perform their magical transitions.
Brent designed Big Mountain with his customers in mind. It is coffee theater. Customers can watch the roasting, brewing, blending, and presentation because it all takes place where you can see it. Curious about your coffee, where it came from? Ask Brent and his crew about its origins. They’ll tell you where it grew, how it was harvested, and all the steps it took to end up as your perfect cup of coffee.
When the weather is good, and if he ever gets a break from customers, you may find Brent out in the parking lot on one of those cruisers. They stay locked in the cage ready for a ride when time and weather permits.
Take the Big Mountain Experience Home
Brent offers a variety of beans and roasts for coffee and coffee drinks. Hot and cold, iced and blended. Once you’ve tasted Big Mountain’s coffee and you’re tempted to take some home, they sell their fresh roasted beans in bags, whole or ground to your specifications. To add to the pleasure of your coffee experience, they offer a variety of pastries and biscotti as a delicious accompaniment to your drink. I like their almond biscotti best.
From Big Mountain Coffee Roasters, after you’ve relaxed over your drink and baked goods, you can go for a walk. Fogarty Creek Park is half a mile south on Highway 101. Fishing Rock about the same. Both are easy walks with only slight grades, uncrowded surroundings and unrestricted ocean views. If its the end of the day, and you’re ready to find a place for the night, the Surfrider Resort is just half a mile south on Highway 101.
Big Mountain Coffee Roasters is right on Highway 101 in Lincoln Beach, Oregon.
Jon Thompson - Jon Thompson - freelance article and commercial writer with background in education, business, advertising, sales and emergency ...
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