The next time you need a caffeine fix, head to Gladstone to Happyrock Coffee Roasting. We recorded a Territory Tales podcast with owner Lisa Halcom, as she told us how she came to acquire this landmark business in Gladstone and managed to make it even more of a local icon.
Happyrock, a play on the name of Gladstone, has been roasting coffee for well over 15 years. In that time they've won numerous awards including finishing top-three in best coffee competitions at the Oregon State Fair. They hand pick their coffee varieties from farms that grow the beans responsibly and sustainably. They then roast the beans in-house. It's a fun process to watch, as the roaster sits on the floor of the coffee shop and is surrounded by large bags of beans from throughout the coffee-growing world.
Despite having a staff she raves about, Lisa still takes an active role, single-handedly roasting the coffee each day. It's this dedication to her creation that makes each cup a work of roasted art.
The company is also a big proponent of sourcing their ingredients locally. Their milk comes direct from Lady Lane Farm in Mulino, for instance, and Lisa partners with a lot of local businesses, from Strand Tea Co. in Sandy to Simply Divine in Oregon City. She also makes her own caramel sauce, chai, mint lavender and hibiscus syrups and chocolate sauce in house. The German chocolate mocha is a favorite!
Happyrock Coffee Roasters is located at the intersection of Dartmouth and Portland Avenues in Gladstone. You can also find them online and on Facebook. Once you get your coffee, head over to Meldrum Bar Park and enjoy a gorgeous spot along the Willamette River.
