Thump Coffee and Backporch Roasters from Oregon merging to stay strong
December 27 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Two beloved Bend-based coffee companies, Thump Coffee and Backporch Roasters, have announced plans to merge. According to a statement released by Thump Coffee, the merger is designed to ensure both brands remain strong and competitive in a saturated market. The newly merge company TBC keeps the two brands alive separately to be identified and grow in their own market segment.
Critically for their loyal customer base, the front-of-house experience will remain unchanged. Baristas, all existing locations, and the distinct brand names will stay the same. “Literally nothing changes,” emphasized Bobby Grover, owner of Thump Coffee. He clarified that while backend operations like payroll and purchasing will consolidate, the unique personality of each café will be preserved. “Customers won’t see any difference come Jan. 1,” Grover assured.
The merger is fundamentally a play for operational strength. By combining forces, the companies gain significant shared efficiencies and greater purchasing power, which translates into cost savings. Thump, founded in 2007, operates three Bend locations in Oregon and one in Denver, Colorado. Backporch Roasters, founded in 2006, has five locations in Bend, including a drive-up spot. Together, they form a more formidable local entity.
Katy Brooks, Bend’s economic development officer, notes that such consolidation is a common strategy for smaller companies seeking growth. “This positions them for opportunity to grow, particularly in a saturated market,” Brooks said. “It’s important that we retain these businesses and that they can grow in Bend. Sometimes that means combining forces.”
Both companies pledge to maintain the core practices that defined them. Backporch will continue its commitment to ethically sourced coffee beans, while Thump will uphold its reputation for craft and hospitality. Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, sees the merger as a savvy collaboration. “By maintaining their distinct brands while sharing resources, they’re strengthening operational efficiency without losing what makes each company special,” Odendahl said. “This kind of collaboration supports long-term sustainability and keeps two beloved local brands strong in our community.”
The merger is framed not as an end but as a new chapter—a bond between two local pioneers fortifying their roots to ensure they continue to thrive for years to come.