Life At The Riv

Josh Barrows, soon to be 29, scrambles a few eggs for a “Ranchhand” at The Riv this morning, Monday, March 1. Owners of the cafe at 401 E. 10th Street, The Dalles, Noah and Lauren Blakely said sales were very good over the weekend. “We had 150 people through on Saturday, safley,” Noah said.

Lauren and Noah have owned the restaurant and coffee shop since 2017, and have done extensive upgrades since taking the reigns.

Josh Barrows puts the scramble in the eggs for a “Ranchhand” breakfast on Monday morning. The Riv Coffee Shop and Restaurant had a “big” turnout on Saturday after Wasco County donwngraded the COVID risk, allowing for dine-in at local restaurants.

Nice Addition - Noah Blakely stands by The Riv’s newest addition, a Bellweather coffee roaster - Noah and Lauren recently added the equipment to offer their best efforts in Riv-roasted coffee. They don’t take their coffee lightly. This roaster was $75,000 alone.

Sunny days ahead like this one- a file photo from Mid-Columbia Economic Development District - are ahead for local restaurants as COVID restrictions loosen up.

From The Riv website:

This Old Thing?

The familiar stone building erected on 401 E 10th Street, The Dalles OR, has stood in its’ place for over 100 years. Everyone in town knows where it is if you say, “the old stone church". It began as a Life of Christ Church many years ago. It has held a few different denominations and congregations of believers in Christ throughout the years.

Around 25 years ago the building was condemned and put on the market. A couple purchased it and updated it to turn it into an event venue. From there it merged into a breakfast and lunch cafe. The Ott’s ran the Riverenza for approximately ten years then put it up for purchase.

Noah and Lauren purchased the business about 4 years ago adjusting the business plan. They grew to get investment and recently purchased and remodeled the building.

The Riv Cafe still operates as a Breakfast and Lunch Cafe.