Sisters Coffee Company

Sisters Coffee Company was established in 1989 by Winfield and Joy Durham, who moved to the small town of Sisters, Oregon, to pursue their vision of a family-run coffee business. The company began in a modest log cabin, utilizing a five-pound roaster to serve the local community. Over the decades, the business evolved from a local operation into a significant regional roaster, eventually transitioning leadership to the second generation of the Durham family—Justin, Jared, and Jesse—in 2017. This transition marked a shift toward formalizing the company's mission, vision, and core values, which emphasize integrity, excellence, and servant-leadership.

The company’s roasting operations have scaled significantly since its inception. For many years, the roastery relied on a 25kg Probat roaster affectionately named "Ruby," which was in service from 2005 until the company expanded its production capacity. In recent years, the roastery moved to a new facility on Sun Ranch Drive in Sisters, incorporating a 45kg Probat G45 roaster. This equipment upgrade allowed for more precise control over burner output, airflow, and drum speed, which the company notes has improved the consistency and acidity of their single-origin offerings.

Sourcing philosophy at Sisters Coffee is centered on long-term, relationship-driven trade. The company reports that its leadership team travels to origin countries three to four times annually to maintain direct connections with producers. A notable example of this commitment is their relationship with Aurelio Villatoro of Finca Villaure in Guatemala; Sisters Coffee was the first U.S. roaster to purchase directly from this farm in 2004, a partnership that has persisted for two decades.

In practice, the company balances a diverse portfolio of products, ranging from traditional blends to curated single-origin coffees. Their approach to roasting is described as a blend of tradition and innovation, aiming to highlight the unique characteristics of green coffee shaped by specific processing methods and high-altitude environments. This production is supported by a wholesale division that provides equipment, training, and coffee to various partners, alongside a direct-to-consumer subscription model.

Retail presence remains a core component of the company's identity. Beyond their original flagship cafe in a downtown Sisters cabin, the company has expanded its footprint to include multiple locations in Bend, Oregon, and the Pearl District in Portland. These cafes serve as the primary touchpoints for the brand, designed to foster community and provide an immersive experience for customers, including occasional educational events like roastery tours and cupping classes.

Today, the company operates as a multi-generational enterprise that manages the complexities of both retail and wholesale distribution. By maintaining a focus on direct trade and internalizing their roasting production, they have established themselves as a fixture in the Pacific Northwest coffee scene. The company continues to emphasize its roots in Central Oregon while scaling its operations to meet the demands of a broader market, maintaining a consistent focus on the values established during the 2017 leadership transition.