Oblique Coffee Roasters

Oblique Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company located in the Kerns neighborhood of Southeast Portland, Oregon. The business is defined by its singular location at 3039 SE Stark Street, which operates as both a roastery and a cafe. The site is historically significant as the former Wm. Landauer Mercantile, an 1891 Victorian building that has been the subject of an extensive, multi-year preservation effort led by the company's proprietor, Jack Chandler.

The founding and development of the physical space are central to the company's identity. Beginning in 2007, the building underwent a comprehensive renovation that involved structural stabilization, including the installation of a new foundation and the straightening of the structure. This project, which spanned over three years, transformed the historic property into the current home of the roastery, preserving the architectural character of the site while establishing a dedicated space for coffee production.

As a roaster, Oblique Coffee Roasters focuses on providing fresh, consistent coffee to its local community. The company maintains a direct-to-consumer model, offering a variety of single-origin coffees and house blends through its retail shop and online store. The operation is characterized by a small-scale, artisanal approach, prioritizing the quality of the final cup through careful roasting practices rather than large-scale industrial distribution.

The company is frequently cited in local media and coffee guides as a notable example of Portland's independent coffee culture. Its reputation is built on the intersection of its historic, "homy" atmosphere—often described as having the feel of a library or a comfortable living space—and its dedication to the craft of roasting. The shop has become a neighborhood hub, known for its welcoming environment and the personal involvement of its owner.

In practice, Oblique Coffee Roasters functions as a community-oriented business. Beyond its role as a roaster, it serves as a social space for residents, students, and visitors. The company has documented its renovation process extensively, framing the preservation of the Landauer Mercantile as a core component of its mission to provide a stable, high-quality experience for its customers.

While many larger roasters in the region focus on wholesale expansion or national distribution, Oblique has maintained a focus on its specific location in Portland. This localized strategy allows for a high degree of control over the freshness and quality of the product, which is a recurring theme in the company's public messaging and customer feedback. The business remains a privately held, independent entity, reflecting the values of its founder in its daily operations and customer service approach.