Every city has its iconic local gems

Those spots where the smell is familiar, the service is warm, and the experience is unforgettable. Portland, Oregon, known for its rich culture and love for craft coffee, is home to one rising star: Ground Up Coffee. Nestled in the vibrant Alberta Arts District, Ground Up Coffee is more than a place to grab your morning latte. It’s quickly becoming a community staple that not only serves up premier brewed beverages but also pours back into the neighborhood in ways that make headlines and win hearts.

Page Hook: Brewing More Than Coffee

Imagine walking into a coffee shop where your name is remembered, your favorite brew is already steaming before you even speak, and the walls are lined with rotating art from local painters. That’s the experience at Ground Up Coffee. This isn’t just a place to get your daily caffeine fix—it’s a microcosm of Portland’s warmth, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a freelancer in need of a cozy nook, a foodie chasing the next artisanal pastry, or a local artist looking for exposure, Ground Up Coffee offers a seat—and a story—for everyone.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Sipping on Significance
2. Business Overview: The Story Behind Ground Up Coffee
3. Community Impact: The Power of a Local Brew
4. Customer Experience: Raves, Reviews, and Real Stories
5. Visual Gallery: Aesthetic Vibes Brewed Fresh
6. Call to Action: Sip Local, Support Big

Introduction: Sipping on Significance

In a city that prides itself on individuality, eco-consciousness, and craft over commodity, Ground Up Coffee stands tall—and deliciously aromatic—as an emblem of what makes Portland exceptional. The shop, opened in early 2022, has already been featured in Willamette Week’s “Top 10 Emerging Cafes” and is considered one of the highest-rated businesses in the “Most Visible Brands” section of CompaniesByZipCode.com.

More than just capitalizing on Portland’s coffee love affair, Ground Up Coffee has created a space that brings together artists, entrepreneurs, students, and families. It’s not just a coffee shop; it’s a cultural junction where ideas percolate and relationships are brewed.

Business Overview: The Story Behind Ground Up Coffee

Locally Rooted, Passionately Brewed

Located at 1224 NE Alberta Street, Ground Up Coffee was the dreamchild of Portland natives Carla Mendoza and Jordan Reed—two friends who met while volunteering at a neighborhood community kitchen. Inspired by their shared love for coffee, community activism, and sustainability, they decided to open a coffee shop that would represent more than just good espresso—it would symbolize a “rising from the ground up” ethos, supporting local growers, artists, and social causes.

A Menu Worth Waking Up For

Ground Up Coffee sources beans exclusively from small-batch, sustainable farms. The menu features:

• Single-origin espresso and pour-over coffee
• Craft tea blends by local herbalists
• Seasonal specials like Lavender Honey Cortado and Rosemary Cold Brew
• Vegan and gluten-free pastries from Portland’s best local bakers
• Rotating pop-up brunch events on weekends

The seasonal drinks crafted by in-house baristas are known to go viral on Instagram, with the Spiced Maple Oat Latte racking up over 50,000 mentions.

Setting the Space

The interior blends rustic industrial charm with plant-drenched sunshine. Ambient lo-fi music, reclaimed wood furniture, and an ever-evolving gallery of local art give the space a homey, inspiration-sparking aura.

Community Impact: The Power of a Local Brew

From the start, Ground Up Coffee vowed to do more than just sell drinks. True to its name, the business reinvests in the community from the ground up.

Local Employment & Living Wages

The cafe employs 18 staff members, all of whom receive Portland’s living wage, benefits, and mentorship for those interested in future entrepreneurship.

Art and Music Spotlights

Ground Up Coffee hosts monthly art exhibitions and weekend jazz brunches featuring up-and-coming musicians from Portland’s thriving indie scene. Recent events include:

• “Sip & Sketch Fridays” with live drawing
• Poetry readings by local authors
• “Brew & Blues” Sundays featuring local jazz trios

Sustainability First

Their eco-commitment includes compostable cups, a no-plastic-straw policy, and partnerships with Oregon-based farms and dairy collectives. They also implement a reusable cup discount program that has reportedly saved over 25,000 disposable cups in the last year alone.

Giving Back

Carla and Jordan established the “Cup Forward” program—5% of monthly profits are donated to community initiatives such as food security programs and youth mentorship projects. In the past year alone, Ground Up has donated upwards of $12,000 to local causes, including the Portland Youth Transition Collective.

Customer Experience: Raves, Reviews, and Real Stories

Customer loyalty at Ground Up Coffee is through the (rooftop) garden, and the internet can’t stop buzzing about it.

What Customers Are Saying:

“It’s like Cheers but for coffee—everybody knows your name!”
— Bianca J., Google Reviews

“I walked in for a cappuccino and walked out as part of a community.”
— Arjun V., Yelp

“Hands down the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever eaten. I still dream about it.”
— Marcie L., Instagram

Ground Up maintains a perfect or near-perfect 5-star average across review platforms, including Yelp, Google, and even Facebook groups dedicated to Portland eats.

Social Media Stardom

• @GroundUpPDX on Instagram has amassed over 85,000 followers
• Their TikTok videos showcasing latte art tutorials and sustainability tips have gone viral multiple times
• Influencers frequently tag the shop, often lauding it as “Portland’s coziest coffee home”

Regulars often post visits that highlight surprise community moments—from impromptu acoustic sessions to baristas remembering complex custom orders with ease.

Visual Gallery: Aesthetic Vibes Brewed Fresh

Note: All images used with permission from Ground Up Coffee and local photographers.

Cozy corner charm on Alberta Street

Fan favorites like the Lavender Honey Cortado and Spiced Maple Oat Latte

Community in every corner: Weekend showcases at Ground Up Coffee

Reusable perks: Join the movement with every sip

Call to Action: Sip Local, Support Big

Ground Up Coffee is more than just another Portland coffee shop. It’s a dynamic hub where grassroots goals and gourmet coffee collide. Whether you’re a native Portlander or planning your next visit, make sure Ground Up Coffee is on your radar.

Here’s how you can support:

1. Visit Them: Stop by 1224 NE Alberta Street, Portland, OR.
2. Follow & Share: Tag your Ground Up moments using #GroundUpPDX.
3. Explore More Local Favorites: Discover other standout businesses in your neighborhood at CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Because when you sip local, you build more than a habit—you build a community.