Spotlight: Portland Cà Phê

Portland Cà Phê Roasters was founded the summer of 2020 as a way to bring Vietnamese grown coffee beans into a market that lacks representation from Southeast Asia. Led by Kim Dam and supported by Alex Tang, the two-person team specializes in coffee sourced from Vietnam’s Central Highlands and roasted locally in Portland, Oregon.

What inspired you to start this business?

I've worked in the cafe/coffee industry since college and really started learning to roast my own beans during the pandemic. I kept driving by this place on Holgate that was empty for a long time and contacted the owner. I relied on my contacts and bootstrapped the project in 2021. On opening weekend, we had a 3 hour wait. When we opened our MLK location 3 years later, it was the same.

What is your favorite part about owning a small business?

Collaborating and connecting with my BIPOC community of business owners to elevate our businesses together.

What role does your community play in your business?

I REALLY relied on my community to make it work. My community really showed up and leaned in to support my businesses and to grow my brand. I wouldn't be this far along without the community, and it will always be a primary driver of my business.