Black Rock Coffee Bar, purveyor of premium roasted coffees and other drinks was founded in 2008 in Portland,
Oregon. It was initially founded by a three-family father-son partnership. Black Rock posits itself as a neighborhood
coffee joint. According to a press release, one of the coffee shop’s core missions is to provide opportunities for young
people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills. Employees have the opportunity
to open their own locations, ensuring that Black Rock’s culture is maintained and consistent at each new
location. Black Rock has a variety of store types, including one- and two-window drive-thru locations,
sit-down/drive-thru locations, and sit-down-only locations. There are more than 83 stores and growing
located across the Western U.S. within Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, and
Texas. Black Rock also serves up smoothies, high-quality teas, and drinks meant to give coffee lovers an
extra jolt of energy. They also have a subscription program that allows customers to get select roasts
delivered to their home in the form of beans, grounds, and even k-cups.
The company seeks to maintain a unique culture-focused approach centered around local community
engagement with the goal of creating a differentiated customer experience in a competitive market.
Black Rock’s strong culture has led to a loyal and growing customer base in the markets in which it serves.
