Black Rock Coffee Bar in store milestone
An Oregon-based coffee chain has been steadily expanding its footprint while largely flying under the radar.
Black Rock Coffee Bar has opened its 100th U.S. store, in Chandler, Arizona. The opening gives the company 22 locations in the state.
Founded as a family-owned business in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, Black Rock has been expanding through the West and into the Sunbelt, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Many of the locations offer both sit-down and drive-thru options. The interiors feature the company’s signature industrial modern design with a garage door that can be opened or closed, depending on the weather. In September, Black Rock opened its first drive-thru-only location, in Phoenix.
The company culture emphasizes personal and professional growth for each Black Rock employee and ensuring that they provide compassionate customer service towards each person who experiences the store. It also prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.
"I attribute this significant milestone [100th store] for us to two things: Number one is we were founded on our three principles — and that's coffee, community and connection,” said Jeff Hernandez, co-founder and executive chairman of Black Rock Coffee Bar, which is knowns for premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful energy drinks “Number two is we are guided by what we call the 4 G's – Grit, Growth, Grace and Gratitude. These two things serve as the foundation of Black Rock and I want to thank every single employee for their contributions and hard work.”