Our Story
About Ember & Bean
A passion project that grew into Portland's favorite neighborhood roastery.
It Started with a Simple Question
In 2018, founders Maya Chen and Elijah Brooks asked themselves: "What if we roasted coffee the way our grandparents made dinner, with care, patience, and no shortcuts?"
What started as weekend roasting sessions in a garage grew into Ember & Bean Roasters, a small-batch specialty roastery and cafe in the heart of Portland's Pearl District. Today, we source directly from farms in Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, and beyond, roasting every batch by hand in our copper-drum roaster.
Our cafe isn't just a place to grab a latte. It's where neighbors meet, ideas are born, and every cup tells the story of the hands that grew, harvested, and roasted it.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Passion
Coffee is our craft. Every bean tells a story, and we roast with intention and love.
Sustainability
We source responsibly, support farming communities, and minimize our environmental footprint.
Quality
Only the top 2% of specialty-grade beans make it into our roastery. No shortcuts, ever.
Community
Our cafe is a gathering place. We believe great coffee builds great connections.
The Team
A crew of coffee obsessives, morning enthusiasts, and community builders. Come say hi, we'd love to make you a cup.