Where flavor reaches new heights

Expect peak performance at Big Mountain Coffee Roasters

Dining with the Daniels

By Daniel Gainer (and D2)

In between Lincoln city and Depoe Bay, next to Chester’s Thriftway, sits a coffee shop called Big Mountain Coffee Roasters that has been in operation for 20 years.

Initially opened by Brent Duering, it has been owned and operated by Chenoa Torklep since 2018. Legend is that Torklep was an original, and maybe first customer of the establishment. She was a fan and eventually when relocating to the beautiful Oregon Coast she became an employee. When the opportunity arose to take over and become a local owner operator, she happily took it.

I had the pleasure of grabbing a really good coffee there with my grandson Daniel, aka D2, the hot chocolate-drinking superstar. He is now of the age that I have to tell him that he is still a bit too young for a triple venti, double-pump caramel latte with oat milk. For now, I order a hot chocolate extra whip for him and just a basic mocha with an extra shot for me.

The building’s design inside and out has a rustic, earthy warehouse vibe to it as a nod to its working nature as a coffee house and small-batch coffee roaster. The easy to access drive-through is great for your quick on the road needs, or take a break and enjoy the ample parking and indoor open space with tables to sit and enjoy a beverage with friends and family.

There are plenty of options for coffee lovers, including many flavored syrups and sugar-free options.

I was able to have a nice conversation with the owner as I sipped my mocha. We discussed everything from “The Lord of the Rings” to international organic coffee bean farmers and her pride in being able to use women-owned and -operated independent coffee bean farmers to supply some of the beans for roasting. The shop shelves are also filled with fun coffee gnomes, Big Mountain merchandise, local artistry, jewelry and chocolates.

While sipping on my mocha and watching D2 slurp down his whipped cream I overheard Torklep describe Big Mountain’s home-made blend of chai tea and saw her eyes light up as she described the type of chai the establishment offers. I love chai tea and figured a double caffeine day was in the works. It did not disappoint. If you lean toward a more traditional tea, Big Mountain has you covered with organic boutique tea offerings that I will be back to try.

I really enjoyed my talk with Torklep, which included her belief in the quality that small farmers provide and the way her customers have been patient when the inventory of blends can occasionally be affected by the supply chain. Thankfully Big Mountain offers multiple choices for whole beans, house-blended cocoa, flavored tea blends, chai tea and donuts from the local Depoe Baykery.

I walked away enjoying my coffee and chai from Big Mountain Coffee and getting a chance to learn about an Oregon Coast business owner and establishment that is a part of our community. I think it is special when you get to transition from number one fan to business owner and in turn give back to the things you support and believe in.

D2 gives Big Mountain Coffee Roasters a solid 10 out of 10.

“I would have given it a 12 out of 10,” he said, “but you said no coffee for me yet.”

I will be sure to get him one from Big Mountain someday. Just not yet.

Big Mountain Coffee Roasters is located at 3930 Hwy. 101 in Lincoln Beach and is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm. For more information, go to big-mountain-coffee-co.square.site.