Rosland Coffee House Opens at Last!

Rosland Coffee House Opens at Last!

By Andrea Hine

“My husband Joel and I had been thinking of starting a new business, and as long-time residents, realized that La Pine needed a place where people could sit down and ‘do what they needed to do’ -- whether that was sitting down and enjoying a cup of coffee or conducting informal meetings,” said Sonya Brader.

Open just a few weeks, the couple’s new venture – Rosalnd Coffee House -- has already received glowing reviews. “The owner is so great, the coffee is delicious, and it is such a cute place!” said one customer, “So happy for them to be open. Congratulations!” added another.

Choosing a location proved relatively easy. As Sonya Brader explained, “After finding out that this site was up for rent, we immediately saw its advantages: situated on a busy street; en route to fishing, snowmobiling, and other recreational options; and across from a campground, daycare facility, and elementary school.”

She added that “It’s also ideal for a drive-through that can easily accommodate campers and trucks (such as those used by the area’s many construction workers).”

With the blessing of their landlord, “who wanted to update the building, we pretty much gutted its interior -- replacing drywall, insulation, flooring, and windows – even a new roof; installing electrical and new front doors; and remodeling the bathrooms.,” Brader said.

As the town’s caffeine lovers can testify -- while eagerly waiting for Rosland Coffee House to open -- the entire effort took much longer than anticipated – “almost two years,” she noted. Much of the delay involved obtaining (and renewing) the necessary permits. “It was extremely time consuming,” Brader said diplomatically, adding that “it’s very sad to see Deschutes County make it so hard for small businesses, but Joel and I both held on. I’m pretty sure that I lost a lot of hair, but I did learn a lot of patience.”

A history buff, Brader is fascinated by the history of Rosland (La Pine’s original name), because the coffee house is situated where the small settlement, established in 1900, used to be.

Open Monday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., at 16434 Burgess Rd. in La Pine, Rosland Coffee House is staffed by three employees: daughter Haleigh Brader, Madasyn, and Lacey. “It’s really a family venture,” said Brader, adding that “Our whole purpose is to have fun with our customers, and provide hospitality and enjoyment for them. Sometimes people forget to do that.”

“I’m so happy to see you,” exclaimed Ross Schmerse to Sonya Brader. “What you’ve done is so awesome!”