Specialty coffee service has made a triumphant return to the bustling corner of Southeast Belmont Street and Southeast 34th Avenue in Portland, Oregon’s vibrant Sunnyside neighborhood. Clark’s Coffee, a burgeoning local enterprise, has officially opened its inaugural cafe within a space steeped in Portland’s rich coffee history, formerly occupied by the pioneering Stumptown Coffee Roasters for a remarkable 25 years. This transition marks a significant moment for the beloved intersection, signaling a new chapter for a location that has long been a cornerstone of the city’s renowned coffee culture.
The closure of the Stumptown Coffee Roasters outpost in February, after a quarter-century of service, left a void in the Sunnyside community. This location was not merely a coffee shop; it was a testament to Portland’s role as a crucible for the Third Wave coffee movement, a period that redefined coffee appreciation and craftsmanship. The enduring legacy of Stumptown in this space imbues Clark’s Coffee with a sense of heritage and anticipation. The new establishment has undertaken a thoughtful refurbishment of the existing bar, breathing fresh energy into its design while honoring its past. A striking, bright orange two-group La Marzocco Linea espresso machine now stands as a vibrant centerpiece, a symbol of both tradition and innovation in the world of coffee preparation.
The interior of the new Clark’s Coffee location has been meticulously designed to blend comfort with a distinctively curated aesthetic. The original counter seating, strategically positioned along the broad front windows, remains, offering patrons an unobstructed view of the dynamic street life of Sunnyside. The walls and high ceiling have been bathed in a fresh coat of crisp white paint, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. Along the long, exposed-brick wall, new shelving units have been installed, showcasing an eclectic and engaging collection of pop-culture memorabilia, skate-related items, and other carefully selected objects that reflect the owners’ personal tastes and the cafe’s envisioned identity. This thoughtful curation of decor aims to foster a sense of community and shared experience, transforming the space into more than just a place to grab a coffee.
Further enhancing the cafe’s welcoming ambiance, the rear of the space has been furnished with a collection of comfortable, secondhand living-room furniture. This inviting arrangement encourages patrons to linger, relax, and immerse themselves in the cafe’s offerings. The menu at Clark’s Coffee features a thoughtfully selected range of single-origin coffees and expertly crafted blends, catering to a diverse palate of coffee enthusiasts. A signature beverage, the Espresso Tonic, exemplifies the cafe’s innovative spirit, skillfully combining their Resurrection Blend espresso with the subtle sweetness of pomegranate juice, the effervescence of tonic water, and a bright, aromatic orange peel garnish. This unique concoction highlights Clark’s commitment to creating distinctive and memorable drink experiences.
The inception of Clark’s Coffee is a story rooted in personal connection and a shared passion for the craft. The venture was founded in November 2025 by Clark Johnson and their business and life partner, Ricky Rickman. Prior to establishing the brick-and-mortar cafe, the duo honed their skills and built a following through a series of successful pop-up events, offering both meticulously brewed coffee drinks and freshly roasted beans. Ricky Rickman’s journey to Portland began from California just before the onset of the global pandemic. While pursuing photography studies at Portland Community College, Rickman met Clark Johnson at See See Motor Coffee, a neighborhood establishment now known as One Moto Cafe, where Johnson was then working as a barista.
As their personal relationship deepened, so too did their shared ambition to embark on a coffee business venture of their own. This aspiration, nurtured over time, culminated in the realization of their entrepreneurial dream. Clark Johnson reflected on the initial stages of their planning, sharing, "I always thought that I would be a little older and retired, or in ‘the big kid job’ where I’m seeing good money and I could afford to do it. I thought that’s what it took. I didn’t realize that you can call upon your friends and connections and also just save up and then try to get a loan." This sentiment underscores a crucial aspect of their journey: the power of community support and resourcefulness in launching a small business.
A Hyper-Local Ethos and Community Collaboration
With the establishment of their new cafe, Clark’s Coffee has infused the iconic space with a distinctly fresh and hyper-local energy. This commitment to local partnerships and sourcing is a cornerstone of their business philosophy. The ceramic espresso cups, matcha bowls, and other artisanal wares gracing the shelves are sourced from Couch Ceramics, a venture founded by Lucy Chan, a former Coava Coffee coworker of Clark Johnson. This collaboration not only supports local artisans but also highlights the interconnectedness of Portland’s creative and culinary communities.
The roasting of Clark’s coffees is entrusted to Nicole Tignor, founder of Portland-based Specialty Coffee Supply. Tignor is more than just a roaster; she serves as a mentor and a close family friend to the couple. Her dedication to the nascent business has been instrumental in its launch. In a significant act of support, Tignor provided Clark’s Coffee with essential equipment, including a Mazzer grinder, a Fetco batch brewer, and a Hive cold brew system, entirely free of charge. This generous contribution provided a crucial boost to the business, enabling them to establish high-quality brewing operations from the outset.
Johnson expressed profound gratitude for Tignor’s unwavering support, stating, "Nicole is bending a little bit backwards for us. She’s going the extra mile. We’re very involved with the roasting. We did all the cuppings with her, she gave us the variety, explained the farms. We got to choose from those and we designed the profiles." This collaborative approach to coffee roasting emphasizes transparency and shared expertise, allowing Clark’s Coffee to develop unique flavor profiles that align with their vision.
Tignor’s commitment to fostering direct producer relationships within the coffee supply chain resonates deeply with Clark’s Coffee’s own aspirations for fair wages and comprehensive employee benefits as the business expands. This shared ethical framework is a guiding principle for the new cafe. Johnson articulated their core values: "I’d rather have less money and push to get by so that everyone else has a fair wage. Ricky and I were like, if we’re gonna do this, we’re gonna do it right. Right off the bat, whoever is involved, even if it’s only one or two people, they’re getting paid fairly and transparently, and we’re gonna up that as we go." This dedication to ethical labor practices sets a high standard for the local coffee industry and reflects a commitment to building a sustainable and equitable business model.
Navigating a Shifting Coffee Landscape
The closure of Stumptown’s Belmont location occurred within a broader context of significant consolidation within the coffee industry. Notably, this transition preceded Keurig Dr Pepper’s completion of its approximately $18 billion acquisition of JDE Peet’s. This monumental acquisition formed a coffee conglomerate that includes Peet’s Coffee, which had owned Stumptown since 2015. Such large-scale industry shifts often bring about changes in local operations and ownership, leading to both uncertainty and opportunities for independent businesses.
For many long-time Portland residents and coffee aficionados, the closure of the Stumptown outpost represented more than just the loss of a coffee shop; it was the disappearance of a familiar landmark and a symbol of the city’s independent coffee spirit. The physical void left in the neighborhood was compounded by a symbolic one, as the space had become intertwined with the identity of Portland’s coffee scene.
In this environment, the fiercely independent nature of Clark’s Coffee has found a particularly warm reception among Portland’s discerning coffee lovers. The new establishment’s focus on local partnerships, ethical sourcing, and a community-driven approach directly addresses a desire for authentic and independent coffee experiences. The neighborhood’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling a strong desire to support businesses that embody the values and spirit of Portland.
"It’s been here forever," Johnson remarked, acknowledging the weight of the history associated with the location. "So that’s a huge honor for us, and it’s huge shoes to fill. But the neighborhood’s been nothing but encouraging and very loving." This sentiment highlights the deep connection the community feels to the space and their enthusiastic embrace of Clark’s Coffee as the rightful successor.
A New Era for a Storied Location
Clark’s Coffee, with its fresh perspective and deep commitment to community and quality, is poised to write its own chapter in the ongoing narrative of Portland’s vibrant coffee culture. The careful refurbishment of the iconic Stumptown space, combined with a distinctively local ethos and a dedication to ethical business practices, positions Clark’s Coffee as a promising new destination for coffee lovers. The cafe’s success will not only be measured by the quality of its coffee but also by its ability to foster a sense of belonging and contribute positively to the Sunnyside neighborhood, building upon the legacy of the space it now calls home.
Clark’s Coffee is located at 3356 SE Belmont St, Portland, Oregon.
