A new coffee shop opened its doors on Philomath’s Main Street last weekend, bringing Oregon-roasted beans and a menu inspired by generations of fishing tradition to the community.
Steelhead Coffee Co., owned by Jeff and Amanda Sandstrom, represents more than a year of planning, family collaboration and a deep connection to the area. Jeff is a multi-generation Philomath-area resident, while Amanda grew up in Newport. The couple now lives in Burnt Woods.
The idea germinated about a year and a half ago.
“We just love locally-owned coffee shops anytime we go to a different town,” Amanda said. “I think it was about a year and a half ago, we were kind of like, ‘we should just open one’ and that’s kind of how it went.”
The drive-through coffee shop is located at 1731 Main St.
Amanda said she consistently seeks out smaller, privately-owned coffee operations over larger chains. When the couple found a vacant lot for sale on Main Street last summer, their plans moved forward.
Jeff’s family history in Philomath played a role in their decision to open the business.
“My husband’s like the third, fourth generation here, so I think that’s really appealing to people,” Amanda said. “It’s a small town and everyone loves their locally-owned things, everyone knows him and it’s just a good community.”
Despite limited experience — Amanda worked as a barista in high school — the couple’s shared passion for coffee drove the venture. They began experimenting at home with an espresso machine, testing different beans and roasters from around Oregon. After hosting friends for a taste-testing session, they selected Columbia River Coffee Roaster’s Fishers and Fallers blend, a choice that aligned perfectly with the family’s fishing heritage.
“The fishing theme is important to us because my uncle owned Fisherman’s Corner for 25 years down here (on Main and 10th),” Jeff said. “My uncle, Jerry, and my dad were born and raised here — huge steelhead fisherman. All of the fishing holes in Harlan on the Big Elk, Alsea and Siletz, my dad and grandpa named most of them.”
That connection runs through the menu, where specialty beverages carry names like Drift Creek, Big Elk and North Fork, honoring local fishing spots.
“The meaning of this place is a history of my generation after generation of fishing,” Jeff said.
Opening the business required a family effort. Amanda’s uncle helped with finishing work, her sister-in-law assisted with flooring, and the couple’s children contributed by designing artwork, naming drinks and developing flavors.
“It was really all in from all of us,” Amanda said.
The menu features espresso-based specialty drinks alongside standard coffee shop offerings, four types of lotus on Red Bull flavors, chai, green tea and kids’ drinks. Food options currently include muffin tops, bagels and biscuits and gravy, with breakfast sandwiches coming soon. A punch card program offers a free coffee on every 10th order.
The path from spring 2024 concept to opening weekend included obstacles. Navigating commercial zoning regulations and managing escalating costs tested the couple’s resolve.
“Halfway into this, we almost bailed because there are so many guidelines and the money — $2 grand here, $5 grand there, lots and lots of that,” Jeff said. “Once she has something on her mind, I’ve learned that it’s going to get done — she’s stubborn like that, which is good, and you have to be.”
Amanda said taking the process one step at a time, rather than trying to accomplish everything at once, helped them reach the finish line.
After experimenting with hours during the first week, Steelhead Coffee has settled on 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plans to expand during summer months.
The community response during opening week left a strong impression on the owners.
“You sit back and think about it now that we’re done — because this has been a long ordeal — and it’s almost emotional with all the support we have,” Jeff said.
Amanda noted the outpouring of support through social media shares, positive reviews and word-of-mouth promotion.
“I just want everybody to be like, ‘wow, that’s good coffee,'” Jeff said. “If it’s not, bring it back and we’ll make you another one.”