Who are they?

Underdog Coffee, a joint venture of 18-year friends, Roger Johnston and Allen Tackett, was started in 2003. They realized that they’d both be a lot happier running their own company, serving their own products and promoting their own values. Inspired by their love of coffee, they planned their new venture – a chain of drive through coffee shops. Their coffee is roasted fresh each week and immediately shipped to each of their coffee shops and used within 7 days to ensure freshness. Their coffee is also packaged for sale in 12 oz. bags and is available for delivery through their online store at http://underdogcoffee.com/Online_Store.asp.

What’s cool:

On the Underdog Coffee website, on the “About Us” page, there are three types of information: What do we believe?, Who do we support?, and What is our history?  Who they support says a lot about the company – they have strategically selected three organizations to work with that providing a description of each organization and how it reflects Underdog’s values.

Who do they support?

“Park Rose High School in NE Portland, Oregon. Education is the key to civil society and we believe that supporting schools – public and private – is one of the best ways to fulfill our mission. We selected Park Rose High School because that’s the community we do business in; it’s that simple. We support our friends and neighbors.

Oregon Humane Society in Portland, Oregon. We love animals. And when we came across The Humane Society’s mission statement “&To care for the homeless, to defend the abused, and to fight with an unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals,” we knew we had found a partner that shared our sentiment for the Underdog.

The Boys & Girls Club in Lebanon, Oregon. We believe that youth sports help build confidence and character, and provide a fantastic forum for displays of courage and heart. We are proud to have the opportunity to help fund jerseys each year for youth athletics.”

How we heard:

In the monthly Costco Magazine sent to its members, there is a “Member Conection” page which highlights stories of members and their companies. In the March 2006 issue (Volume 21, Issue 3, page 64) Will Fifield submitted a story about Underdog Coffee of Portland, Oregon. Portland. The article mentions the drive-thrus espresso chain, developed by 28-year old partners Roger Johnston and Allen Tackett, and thecompany’s support of the Oregon Humane Society. www.costco.com

Contact Information:
Underdog Coffee
40100 Mountain Home Drive
Sweet Home, Oregon 97386
541.325.2100
http://www.underdogcoffee.com