For those of us in Portland, Seattle, and NYC, a trip to Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a real treat. In addition to the amazing coffee, the atmosphere of each location is enhanced by music coming from a record player. No iPod mixes or satellite radios here - just records selected by the resident roasters and baristas, played by them.
We had a chance to exchange emails with Jim Kelso of Stumptown and learn more about the history behind the use of records and turntables at their locations. Here's what they said:
The original reason for the Stumptown/turntable connection stems from Duane Sorenson, Stumptown's owner/founder. The pacing of a vinyl record (an uninterrupted side followed by flipping to the other) meshes perfectly with that of coffee roasting. Stumptown's original cafe (45th ave/Division st., Portland) houses a roaster in the midst of a bustling cafe. In this environment both the barista and the roaster then have access to the turntables in order to set an atmosphere comfortable for not only them, but the roasters as well.
A large percentage of Stumptown's first wave of employees were in bands that produced their own vinyl (Thermals, Swords, Starfucker, etc.), so access to turntables was key. Duane also produced a vinyl compilation (titled "Workman's Comp.") that was played and sold in the cafes. Currently, there are still a number of employees that are in vinyl producing bands (Lake, Sabertooth, Hello, Damascus, etc.) that contribute to extending this legacy.
The kinds of turntables used is not necessarily a constant. We have had a barista, Tim Wenzel, that owned a vinyl/cd/tape store (Q is for Choir) that also refurbished turntables. Many of our turntables over the years came from his shop. We also have received a great deal of assistance from Fred's Sound of Music, also located in southeast Portland over the years. They have a great vintage gear and techs that are able to maintain the equipment. Our downtown cafe (3rd and Ash, Portland) does not, however, rely on whatever is available from the local repair shops. There is a legit dj both with twin Technics, PA speakers and a board.
The records available at each of our locations is not determined by anything other than the personal tastes of the roasters and baristas. Over the years there are a few things that have become standards (Hot Snakes, for example, seems to be in every other employee's record bag), but for the most part the play lists match the varied interests and backgrounds of the staff.
There has been some ipod pressure years, but it seems there has been a deliberate effort by many on the crew to return to our roots by bringing in more vinyl daily. Fresh coffee tastes better than instant. Vinyl sounds better than an ipod. Simple.
Well said. Enjoy a great cup of coffee while listening to employee-curated records at any of the Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland, Seattle, or the newly opened NYC location here.
To learn more about and purchase their coffee, check out this page of their site. Also, be sure to check out their great brewing guides to make the perfect cup at home. It'll go great with your turntable and record collection...
Thanks again Jim and Stumptown.