New Coffee Co. Opens in Mosier
Randoneé Coffee Co, a new coffee shop that roasts it’s own beans has just opened in Mosier.
So naturally, CCC News went to check it out.
When I walked in the door I was greeted by the delicious smell of morning coffee and two smiling (behind their masks) faces.
“Well this is new!” I said, “It smells great in here!”
“We have specialty beans from all over, but we roast them right here,” said Madeleine Anderson, gesturing towards the large coffee roaster that sits in the main lobby.
“Can I get a chai?” I asked
“Of course, our chai is made here locally, it’s spicier, less sweet,” Anderson told me, “Whole milk okay?”
“Are you local?” Anderson asked, “We offer a 10% discount for locals. And today only you’ve got a chance to win a free drink.”
Just then a customer walked in who had won a free drink that morning. “At first I was a little like, no, I want to support you, support your business, I don’t need a free coffee. But I’m so excited this shop has opened. And I’ll be back!” said D’Ann Workman
Pictured: Foreground, D’Ann Workman poses with her free coffee and her masked Randoneé baristas Audry Feriante and Madeleine Anderson.
I hung out for a minute, enjoying the ambiance of a chessboard sitting at a table, the sweet spiciness of my chai, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. A steady stream of customers came in and out. The atmosphere was friendly and everyone seemed fairly chatty this morning. So I decided to talk to some customers and to find out about their experience.
Pictured: Kim Kovalik and her daughter Leslie enjoying their Randoneé Coffee.
“I’m enjoying getting to try new varieties of coffees on a daily basis,” said Kim Kovalik, who came in with her daughter Leslie to get coffee. “I was here yesterday and I tried a different kind, I think it was from Guatemala?”
Randonneé carries local roasts made with beans from many different countries including Guatemala, Ethiopia and Mexico. I got in contact with Bryan McGeeney, who also owns 10 Speed Coffee in Hood River to find out more about the menu.
When I stopped by Randoneé again to meet with Bryan McGeeney, he already had the coffee roaster going hard at work.
“I’ve owned 10 Speed Coffee for 15 years,” said McGeeney. “10 Speed Coffee has gone on more of a wholesale route.” Wholesaling coffee requires a lot of consistency as opposed to creativity. For McGeeney there was a strong desire to get to engage with new beans, new roasts and create some truly delicious flavors right here in the gorge. And so Randoneé was born!
“We’ve got a traditional espresso menu and we’re launching our own line of small batch specialty roasts. I wanted to create seasonal unique offerings and roast some fun stuff. We roast 10 Speed Coffee and Randonneé coffee here. My favorite right now is our new espresso blend, we’re calling it Dawn’s Chorus. I'm really happy with the way it’s going right now.”
McGeeney had to interrupt our conversation to go back to check the roast, turning the beans to make sure they roast evenly. The sound of the beans turning over filled the cafe as the smell of a fresh roast spilled into the street.
Pictured: The Golden Burrito sits in a place of honor above a display case full of treats.
In addition to fresh roasted coffee made right inside the cafe, Randoneé also offers a selection of locally made pastries with various daily options and the coveted “Golden Burrito”. The burrito is stuffed with vegetarian chorizo, potatoes, eggs, bell peppers, jalapeños, and secret seasonings.
What does the name mean?
“Randonneé is backcountry skiing or cycling term, it means something like ‘off the beaten path’ ‘follow your own adventure’. It’s the vision of someone headed along a remote road with a bottle of wine and just going.”
Randonneé’s current hours are from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM seven days a week.
Pictured: Outdoor seating is available at Randonneé.
