Spielman Coffee Roasters

Spielman Bagels & Coffee, originally founded as Spielman Coffee Roasters, is a Portland-based business established in 2011 by the father-son duo Rick and Raf Spielman. While the company began its life with a primary focus on specialty coffee roasting, it quickly gained local recognition for its unique approach to bagel production. The brand's evolution from a dedicated roastery to a bagel-centric chain is a notable example of a business pivoting to meet consumer demand while retaining its original coffee-focused roots.

The company's identity is defined by its commitment to traditional, high-quality production methods. The bagels are kettle-boiled and utilize sourdough leavening, a process that distinguishes them from standard commercial offerings. Owner Rick Spielman has characterized the business's philosophy as one that values high standards and low pretense, focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients like milk and honey in their recipes.

Operationally, the company has expanded significantly since its inception. As of 2022, the business operated four locations across Portland and Beaverton, Oregon. Beyond its retail storefronts, the company maintains a commissary that supports its own shops and provides wholesale products to approximately 50 vendors across the Portland, Salem, and Vancouver areas. This infrastructure allows the brand to maintain consistency across its diverse product offerings, which include house-made schmears, pastries, and various breakfast items.

Regarding its coffee program, the company has shifted its sourcing strategy over time. While the brand was founded as a roaster, current operational information indicates that the company sources its roasted coffee beans from Water Avenue Coffee, a well-regarded local roaster. This transition reflects the company's focus on its core strength as a bakery and breakfast provider while continuing to offer high-quality coffee to its customers.

The company's growth has been supported by the launch of a catering division in 2016, which expanded its reach to include corporate and private events. This service provides bulk orders of their signature bagels, coffee, and assorted breakfast platters, further cementing the brand's role in the local food ecosystem. The business remains a family-owned enterprise, operating under the entity Spielman Coffee & Bagel Company, LLC.

Today, the brand is recognized as a staple of the Portland food scene, balancing its history as a specialty roaster with its current status as a multi-location bakery. Its story serves as a case study in how a small, niche-focused startup can adapt its business model to become a regional wholesale and retail success, all while maintaining a consistent brand identity centered on artisanal, locally-produced breakfast staples.