Growing Portland coffee startup lands spot at Thompson's Point
File photo / Jim Neuger
Mike Mwenedata of Rwanda Bean Co.
A former wine tasting venue at the Thompson's Point mixed-use complex in Portland will soon give way to a new coffee roasting and brewing facility, as Rwanda Bean Coffee gets ready to move into the space vacated by Cellardoor Winery.
Cellardoor closed its tasting room in September amid coronavirus-related restrictions on large gatherings, while continuing vineyard operations in Lincolnville and distributing wine at retail outlets statewide and online.
Rwanda Bean, founded in 2013, is a mission-driven coffee wholesaler and retailer that gives back 50% of its profits to growers in founder Mike Mwenedata's East African homeland. The business has retail locations at 463 Stevens Ave. in Portland and at Cape Whoopies in South Portland.
Mwenedata, the company's CEO, told Mainebiz that Rwanda Bean is currently in the process of getting permitting and licensing for the new location, and working to get the roaster installed at Thompson's Point, where it also plans to have an espresso bar.
"We are really trying to highlight the roasting and opportunities for coffee experiences for coffee enthusiasts while continuing to grow our coffee subscription service," he said over the weekend.
"We felt that Thompson’s Point was a beautiful place to tell the story of Rwanda Bean," he added. "It will allow us to increase the exposure of our coffee process, which will amplify our opportunities to support the Rwandan farmers and communities, as well as the local communities here that we are proud to serve."
Rwanda Bean currently roasts coffee in South Portland where it will have retail only after the move, while moving its roasting and wholesale activities to Thompson's Point.
At Thompson's Point, Rwanda Bean will occupy a 2,400-square-foot space in the Brick North Building that is also home to Bissell Brothers Brewing Co., Stroudwater Distillery, Color Me Mine, the International Cryptozoology Museum, Halo Studios and Big Room Studios.
Elissa English-O'Brien, regional relationships director at Northern Hospitality Group, the ownership group and management company for Thompson's Point, told Mainebiz that the Cellardoor space was on the end-cap of the building, facing Interstate 295.
Ben Graffius, co-founder of Rwanda Bean, said in a news release that “Thompson’s Point is emerging as Portland’s great new neighborhood for arts, culture, food and drink, and entertainment, for people of all ages and all backgrounds. This is the perfect spot for Rwanda Bean to continue its growth, and we are truly excited to be part of the amazing community of businesses at the Point.”
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I wish you all the best!
Congratulations Mike Mwenedata!
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