Hello Coffee

Our story

Small on purpose.

We set out to prove that a neighborhood cafe doesn't need a drive-through, a loyalty app, or seventeen menu options to be great. Just good beans, good people, and a warm room.

See our menu

How we got here

Hello Coffee started in 2019 when Maya Chen and Sam Torres left their office jobs to open a tiny espresso bar in Portland's Buckman neighborhood. Maya had spent three years sourcing coffee in Colombia and Ethiopia; Sam had trained as a pastry chef in San Francisco. Together they believed that the best local cafes feel personal — like walking into a friend's kitchen. That belief shaped everything: 40 seats instead of 120, a menu that changes with the harvest, and a hiring practice that prioritizes genuine warmth over speed.

What we stand for

Direct relationships with farmers matter to us. We pay well above Fair Trade minimums and visit our partner farms in person at least once a year. Every bag of beans we serve comes with a name, a place, and a story. We also believe the planet deserves better. Our cups, lids, and bags are fully compostable, and we offset 100% of our shipping emissions. Small choices, made consistently — that's how we try to do things.

The warm, light-filled interior of Hello Coffee — wooden tables, natural light, and a calm atmosphere
Our Buckman neighborhood space — 40 seats, good light, no rush.

The people behind the bar

  • Maya Chen

    Co-founder & Head of Coffee. Former green-buyer who fell for espresso. Pulls the best ristretto in Portland and insists on tasting every new lot blind before it hits the bar.

  • Sam Torres

    Co-founder & Pastry Lead. Trained under two Michelin-starred pastry chefs before choosing croissants over fine dining. The almond croissant is entirely his fault.

  • Jess Park

    Head Barista. Five-time regional latte-art finalist, full-time calm presence. If you have a question about the beans, Jess will happily talk your ear off.

  • Lena Brauer

    Barista & Events. Runs our monthly tasting events and office catering calendar. Ask her about the seasonal flight.