Among all of our fabulous neighbors, we have a special relationship with Grendel’s Coffeehouse, and that’s not just because they provide KBOO with its coffee! KBOO staff and volunteers have come to depend on Grendel’s for coffee, food, and drink day in and day out, and Eric Martin and his staff have been stalwart supporters of community radio.
JM: Eric, how long has Grendel’s been in business?
EM: We’ve been open since 2003. My father and I wanted to start a business together. Because we didn’t have gobs and gobs of money, coffee seemed like a good place to start. At the time I was managing a bar and a regular customer of mine had an opening in his building. I guess there’s something to that old “great American know-who.”
JM: Portland has certainly changed dramatically in that time. How have those changes effected Grendel’s?
EM: I would say that the biggest change is the ever-increasing demand for sustainable, local, higher quality ingredients. I mean, this town has become so famous for it. What that means for us is that we’re always working to track trends and do our best to change accordingly, without leaving anyone behind. For example, in the beginning there really wasn’t much demand for vegan or non-dairy ingredients and yet now these options are not simply mandatory, they’re taken for granted.
Of course, coffee itself continues to pose interesting challenges within the foodie culture. Think about it: what used to basically be a choice between brewed cup of joe and—maybe—lattes, has now given way to cold brew, short pour, pour overs, cortados, flat-whites, and more. That means I’m working to ensure that my staff is educated and gaining new skills with which to better serve the people—something as simple as “latte art” comes to mind--while also challenging me every day to make sure that I am able to offer what the people want.
JM: What one thing has changed the very most?
EM: Our clientele used to be almost entirely neighborhood residents. With all the changes in the neighborhood that have followed on the heels of Portland’s success, we do see a great deal more customers coming and going to and from their offices as opposed to the more leisurely strollers. This has been good for business, and we also look forward to serving the many new neighborhood residents who will be moving into the area’s new buildings.
JM: What led you to consider promoting Grendel’s through KBOO?
EM: We’re a small, local, owner-operated shop and what better place to lend support but to a like-minded local organization also committed to working with local businesses and for the people? We’re very proud to be a supporter.
JM: What else should folks know about Grendel’s?
EM: We try to serve the best quality product with consistency to everyone who comes in. Our food hasn’t changed a whole lot, but we have worked continuously to increase the quality of the ingredients we’re using without excessive price increases. We really mean to be a community coffeehouse and gathering place and we’re thrilled that throughout all the changes that Portland is experiencing we still have longstanding regulars coming in every day as well as new faces and tourists.
729 E. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
503/595-9550
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