The Arbor Lodge Will Reopen as Futura Coffee Roasters

Photo credit: The Arbor Lodge

The subject line puts it out there: The Arbor Lodge Coffee and Community Space, which is closed right now, and will re-open as Futura Coffee Roasters. This will become the second location for Futura, which opened up in the northern reaches of Montavilla about a year ago (in 2022).

This news came via a substantial announcement on The Arbor Lodge’s website (also posted on the social media at the end of last year, but I only caught up with it recently), written by CJ Speelman, The Arbor Lodge’s owner (formerly a barista and a roaster there prior to becoming the owner). But he is also a part of Futura, and owns the shop in Montavilla. So, to be clear: There will be two shops, both under the name Futura Coffee Roasters.

CJ talks a little bit more about the connection between the two, philosophically: “In so many ways, the work that we are doing at Futura is very closely aligned with what The Arbor Lodge has always been about: building a sense of community and hospitality, using our space as a way to engage the neighborhood, and striving to serve the best coffee as possible. I sincerely believe that this evolution of The Arbor Lodge will be its best yet.”

He also talked about his mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic, speaking with his coffee producing friends, Felipe Sardi and Sebastian Villamizar, in Colombia. It became clear that everyone was on the same page when it comes to the urgency they feel about the future of coffee and the future of the planet. Change felt necessary. And as Futura Coffee Roasters is big on regenerative agriculture (a philosophy related to biodynamic agriculture), which helps fortify the soil and increase biodiversity, aiding in combating climate change. He wrote, “As coffee professionals across the entire spectrum of the industry, we are in a unique position to not only make an impact, but also empower our neighbors and customers to do so as well, even if it is the simple ritual of drinking coffee.”

He adds that they will be increasing hours to a full-time scenario for the Futura in North Portland when they open. They will offer a “simple yet intentionally sourced food menu” that he believes will benefit the neighborhood (about the menu at the Montavilla location, he says, “The coffee and food we serve is simply amazing”). And he’ll still be roasting coffee and doing some barista-ing. He also suggests visiting the Montavilla Futura location to see what you could expect in the second location.

Futura Coffee Roasters [opening winter 2023]
was The Arbor Lodge
1507 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland
thearborlodge.com