Our Story
We are Kimi and Keith Richardson. We have been married for 24 years and have four teenage daughters. We met in college as music majors in Santa Cruz, California. We moved to Welches, Oregon to be near family in the fall of 1998 and in 2001 we opened an espresso shop called “Java the Hut” in Welches. In 2008 we sold the business and went on to pursue other things. After selling the shop, Kimi obtained her teaching license and was a substitute for Portland Public Schools. I went back to school to earn a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with focus in Music, Religion, and Business Administration. While in school I worked at Starbucks for 3 years as a shift manager. Kimi stepped away from teaching to become the Life Skills Teacher/Manager in a drug recovery facility at Portland Rescue Mission.
I also worked at Portland Rescue Mission as the Warehouse Manager. Kimi and I have had a desire and vision for another coffee shop since 2014, and we believe now is the time to pursue this to the full.
I also worked at Portland Rescue Mission as the Warehouse Manager. Kimi and I have had a desire and vision for another coffee shop since 2014, and we believe now is the time to pursue this to the full.
Wanting to be in the Lents community is more than a business venture for us. We have grown a heart for the area and are excited to be a part of the revitalization to open a new chapter for the community. We have been involved in some outreaches to the community here and have witnessed the people come together. We want to be a part of that kind of community, one that helps their neighbors and is a place where everyone can thrive.
Refuge Coffee House will be a place for people to come and experience coffee in a variety of ways. We will be blending multiple brewing methods with a mix of mid-century American and European café atmosphere. We will be focused on a hand-crafted style service to make each cup special every time. This will be enhanced by featuring coffees from a few local coffee roasters, Dapper & Wise and Intent Coffee.
The atmosphere is just as important as the products we serve. The layout we be welcoming and open to all. The tables will be round to invite conversations without having anyone at the “head” of the table. One special item will be a record player from the 60s playing everything from Jazz, Big Band, to 80s radio artists. We want everyone to come in receiving the refuge atmosphere as they come and go. The sights, the sounds, and aromas will all point to the meaning of a coffee break. A break from the busy day, a moment to stop and enjoy something wonderful.
Refuge Coffee House will be a place for people to come and experience coffee in a variety of ways. We will be blending multiple brewing methods with a mix of mid-century American and European café atmosphere. We will be focused on a hand-crafted style service to make each cup special every time. This will be enhanced by featuring coffees from a few local coffee roasters, Dapper & Wise and Intent Coffee.
The atmosphere is just as important as the products we serve. The layout we be welcoming and open to all. The tables will be round to invite conversations without having anyone at the “head” of the table. One special item will be a record player from the 60s playing everything from Jazz, Big Band, to 80s radio artists. We want everyone to come in receiving the refuge atmosphere as they come and go. The sights, the sounds, and aromas will all point to the meaning of a coffee break. A break from the busy day, a moment to stop and enjoy something wonderful.
