Seasons change and sometimes so do our favorite businesses. As much as we love continuity—getting our morning caffeine from a barista who knows exactly how much foam, flavor, and cream—businesses expand, move, and change hands. Thankfully for Aberdeen residents, the hand-off between South Bay Coffee Company and Tinderbox Coffee Roasters means quality coffee without missing a beat.

South Bay coffee sale Olympia stand baristas
The stand was formerly owned by Stephanie Childers of Olympia’s South Bay Coffee Company. The staff and menu will remain without any down-time or days closed. Photo courtesy: South Bay Coffee Company

South Bay Coffee Company and owner Stephanie Childers kept us warm and toasty for many years. But as she focused on her bustling Olympia coffee stand, it seemed like a good time to hand over the Aberdeen location. This is where Aubrey and Chad Baier of Tinderbox Coffee Roasters come in. On Tuesday, December 11 they’ll take over the stand from Childers, whose last day is Monday, December 10.

“I want to thank the community for welcoming us into their lives,” says Childers, “to share our product and spend time.” She’s excited that the transition will happen smoothly and to another family invested in making their community better, one cup at a time.

The Baier family lives in Montesano and moved Tinderbox from Westport to Aberdeen less than two years ago. “We really like that this is a growing community,” says Aubrey, “and we’re super excited to be a part of that.”

Customers who frequent their 113 East Wishkah Street coffeehouse have been asking for a drive through location and though they weren’t officially in the market for one, this opportunity for expansion came at the perfect time.

South Bay coffee sale fresh roasted small batch coffee
On Tuesday, December 11 Aberdeen’s Tinderbox Coffee Roasters will take over a drive through stand located at 1019 East Wishkah. Photo courtesy: Tinderbox Coffee Roasters

“At Tinderbox, we use different products and some will change at the stand,” admits Baier, “but for the most part the menu will stay the same. It’ll be a meshing of the two.” The same can be said of staffing. Aubrey and Chad feared putting people out of work, especially around the holidays, but “we really loved them all” so South Bay baristas were gladly kept on.

In the coffee industry for more than 20 years, the Baiers roast their small-batch coffee in-house, and offer locally baked goods, treats, teas, and cold drinks galore. Want to try their beans while out and about for the holidays? Consider ordering one of their 12- or 16-ounce bags to take on the road or use as a fragrant stocking stuffer for yourself or your loved ones.

While we all know that shopping locally benefits your friends and neighbors, it does so much more than that. Businesses like Tinderbox host community events, purchase regional ingredients, and support activities and teams.

“I want people to know that we are community focused,” says Aubrey. “We use a lot of other small businesses to supply our business. If we shop local we can make a difference, not just supporting jobs but growth of the community.”

South Bay coffee sale Tinderbox Coffee Roasters takes over
Owners Aubrey and Chad Baiers are excited to provide their freshly roasted, small batch coffee to more people community-wide. Photo courtesy: Tinderbox Coffee Roasters

Several years ago researchers proved that “every $100 spent at locally owned businesses contributes an additional $58 to the local economy. By comparison, $100 spent at a chain store…yields just $33 in local economic impact. The study concludes that, if residents of the region were to shift 10 percent of their spending from chains to locally owned businesses, it would generate $127 million in additional local economic activity and 874 new jobs.”

Olympia folks, come by South Bay Coffee at 3427 South Bay Road NE seven days a week or follow South Bay Coffee on Facebook and Instagram. Aberdeen families are invited to come by the stand at 1019 East Wishkah and do your part to keep the community strong, engaged, and caffeinated. Contact the Baiers through their shop by calling 360-612-0555 and follow Tinderbox Coffee Roasters on Facebook for their calendar of events, activities, and specials.

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email