Jason Wahlberg and Lauren Alameda-Reddell, a husband-and-wife team of coffee professionals, are changing the Portland coffee scene with their nearly year-old roastery and pop-up, Dear Francis. Rejecting the elitism of the Third Wave and the opacity of the Second Wave, they focus on inclusivity and accessibility, offering thoughtfully crafted blends at reasonable prices. Their approach is about making high-quality coffee enjoyable for all, regardless of expertise. Dear Francis operates primarily through delivery and pop-ups, adapting to the surge in home brewing and pop-up coffee culture that has taken off during the pandemic. Their business strategy also includes grocery store partnerships and avoiding high rent costs by popping up in local businesses, demonstrating a keen understanding of current consumer trends and market demands.
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