Denizens Cafe to Open on NE Sandy Blvd

Denizens Cafe initial concept imagery. Photo credit: Denizens Cafe

A few days ago, James Helms posted on social media the news that the Rocky Butte Espresso Bar, which closed in late 2022, has a new location … as well as a new concept and new name. Along with coffee there are plans for food, and a projected opening is unknown at this time. The new name is Denizens Cafe.

From the Denizens Cafe (aka Rocky Butte Espresso Bar) Instagram: “James from Rocky Butte Espresso Bar Here! We’re launching a new cafe….” On Facebook: “We are back…we are opening a new cafe!” And on the page where you can sign up for new cafe updates, there are a few more details: “Rocky Butte Coffee Roasters is opening a new cafe on NE Sandy BLVD. The cafe is eight-tenths of a mile away from our former space… we can’t tell you where just yet. This cafe will take us in a new direction with more of a focus on food.”

Of course, this part about “NE Sandy Blvd” and “we can’t tell you where just yet” is like red meat to this researcher. I have an idea as to where it could be, “about eight-tenths of a mile away from [the] former space.” And if it is that location—Portland Maps indicates for this location I have in mind a change of occupancy from an M (mercantile aka retail) to an A (assembly aka food or drink consumption)—it could be amazing. However, I do not know if this is the location James has secured and will respect his wishes to not share my speculation with you just yet. Whenever I do learn about the location, I’ll share it here.

I know James wanted to expand the offerings at the old Rocky Butte Espresso Bar and continue his work in building community through the espresso bar and its sense of place. I’m very happy to know he has found a new spot and that things are moving along in the direction he had hoped. It’s all very exciting!

Denizens Cafe [projected opening TBD]
NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Instagram