A new independent coffee shop has taken over the iconic Portland, Oregon corner that housed Stumptown Coffee Roasters for 25 years. Clark’s Coffee, which opened recently in the Sunnyside neighborhood, marks a significant moment for the city’s coffee community and offers important lessons for specialty coffee enthusiasts shopping for quality beans and cafe experiences.
What Happened at the Historic Location
The storefront at Southeast Belmont Street and Southeast 34th Avenue now belongs to Clark’s Coffee, founded by Clark Johnson and Ricky Rickman in late 2025. The pair met while working in Portland’s coffee scene and decided to launch their business after starting with a series of pop-up events. Their new permanent home carries the weight of Stumptown’s legacy, which closed in February after defining Portland’s Third Wave coffee movement for over two decades.
The cafe retains much of its original character, including the counter seating along the front windows and exposed brick walls. Johnson and Rickman have refreshed the space with bright white paint, a striking orange La Marzocco Linea espresso machine, and carefully curated decor featuring pop-culture and skate memorabilia. Secondhand living-room furniture in the back creates an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere that reflects the owners’ philosophy about accessibility in specialty coffee.
What This Means for Local Coffee Shoppers
The opening of Clark’s Coffee represents more than just a new cafe replacing an old one. It demonstrates how independent operators are stepping in to fill gaps left by consolidation in the specialty coffee industry. Stumptown’s closure came shortly after a massive corporate acquisition reshaped the market, with Keurig Dr Pepper completing an approximately 18 billion dollar purchase of JDE Peet’s, the parent company that owned Stumptown since 2015. For Portland coffee lovers, Clark’s arrival restores neighborhood access to quality specialty coffee from people genuinely invested in the local community.
The menu emphasizes single-origin coffees and signature blends, including a distinctive Espresso Tonic that combines their Resurrection Blend with pomegranate juice and tonic water. Cups and bowls come from Couch Ceramics, a Portland maker founded by one of Johnson’s former coworkers, ensuring every detail reflects local sourcing values. The coffee itself is roasted by Specialty Coffee Supply, a Portland-based company that provided generous support to help the young business launch.
How Fair Wages and Quality Connect
For shoppers prioritizing ethical coffee purchasing, Clark’s approach stands out. Johnson emphasized that the business was built on principles of fair compensation from day one, even before achieving profitability. All team members receive transparent, competitive wages, and this commitment only strengthens as the business grows.
The roasting partnership with Specialty Coffee Supply reflects deeper values around producer relationships and quality. Johnson and Rickman participated in coffee cuppings, learned about farming practices, and worked directly with their roaster to design flavor profiles. This collaborative approach ensures customers are drinking coffee that reflects intentional choices about bean sourcing and preparation methods. When selecting coffee makers for home brewing, understanding the supply chain behind your beans matters just as much as the equipment you use.
Why Portland’s Coffee Community Is Excited
The neighborhood’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Clark’s arrival addresses both a practical void in local coffee access and a symbolic one, as many saw Stumptown’s closure as part of broader industry consolidation. The fiercely independent nature of the new shop, built by owners who genuinely live in Portland and prioritize community relationships, resonates with coffee enthusiasts weary of corporate coffee chains.
Johnson acknowledged the weight of stepping into such a storied space, describing it as an honor and a responsibility. Yet the couple’s authentic approach, connection to local suppliers, and transparent business practices have earned goodwill quickly. They have transformed what could have been a difficult transition into an opportunity to demonstrate how small-scale, values-driven coffee businesses can thrive.
For shoppers evaluating where to spend their coffee dollars, Clark’s Coffee exemplifies what happens when operators prioritize relationship-building with producers, fair treatment of staff, and genuine engagement with their neighborhood. Whether you’re selecting drip coffee makers for home use or visiting cafes in person, supporting operations like this encourages more independent coffee businesses to launch and flourish.
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