/ Business of the Month / Eagle River Roasters
Business of the Month: June 2023
Eagle River Roasters
Eagle River Roasters!
339 W. Pine Street, Eagle River
(715) 479-7995
eagleriverroasters.com
It was such a pleasure spending time recently with Dan Beihoff, Owner, Eagle River Roasters, with his wife, Susan, in their Roasting building to talk about their passion for roasting coffee and making coffee an enjoyable experience.
Eagle River Roasters: Crafting Exquisite Coffee, Embracing the Community
Nearby downtown Eagle River, an aromatic scent of freshly roasted coffee beans emanates from the doors of Eagle River Roasters. Since its establishment in 2007 by Dan Beihoff and his wife Susan, this beloved and unique local coffee roastery has grown to become a hub for coffee aficionados seeking organic, extraordinary coffees sourced around the world from Mexico to Ethiopia.
“We really felt inspired to go into coffee,” said Beihoff. “It took a lot of research as YouTube didn’t exist back then. So, we just met the right people. We believe specialty coffee is an art and we want our customers to enjoy what we have to offer.”
With an unwavering commitment to quality, community, and the convenience of online shopping, Eagle River Roasters has cultivated a list of offerings that go beyond exceptional coffee, including best sellers Bucksnort and Black Bear Blend, and Eagle Blend, Northern Lights, Guides Blend, and others. “We source Arabica beans and the top 2 percent of what’s in the world each year,” said Beihoff. “I’d rather compete on quality, not price.” He added, they roast between 36,000-40,000 pounds of coffee a year.
The choice to settle in Eagle River from Milwaukee was a natural one for Dan and Susan, as they were drawn in by the area’s natural beauty, commitment to community, and great schools for their children. "Eagle River offers a sense of tranquility and community that resonates with our values," said Beihoff.
While their physical coffee house captivates locals and tourists alike, the allure of Eagle River Roasters extends far beyond its doors. Through their e-commerce platform, Dan and Susan share their exceptional blends with coffee lovers around the country. Those visiting the area often purchase coffee to take back home and enjoy or give as gifts, with many returning to shop online and order more. Beihoff states that their e-commerce is 2 percent of their overall business, and the drive-thru 25-30 percent. “McDonalds’s taught us the value of the drive-thru,” said Beihoff. “In addition, we roast for other coffee houses around the country.”
Eagle River Roasters doesn’t end with just coffee alone. Within the cozy coffee house, customers can also enjoy breakfast offerings such as bakery, bagel sandwiches or fresh quiche, and a lunch menu of soup and salads. Or, if in a hurry, they can simply pick up their items at the drive-thru window. In summer, customers can also enjoy their spacious outdoor patio. “We want this to be your community coffee house,” said Beihoff.
No matter the location, customers are greeted by one of Eagle River Roasters friendly staff. What once started out as just business owners Dan and Susan, Beihoff stated, “On average, we now have 10-15 full-and-part-time staff who work here.”
While the e-commerce platform has allowed Eagle River Roasters to forge connections with coffee enthusiasts near and far, their dedication to the local community remains unwavering.
Collaborations with local businesses and non-profit organizations ensure that their success reaches beyond business achievements, making a positive impact in the area, including donating coffee to area churches, gift baskets for area fundraisers, and supporting local camps.
“Giving back to the community is part of what we formed this business on,” said Beihoff. “We believe in honesty and kindness, and to treat our customers in a manner that lives those values.”
Whether you find yourself immersed in the inviting atmosphere of the coffee house or relaxing with their coffee at home, Dan and Susan have developed a haven that embraces the true essence of coffee culture, enriching the lives of their customers one sip at a time.
“We’re a community with a great cup of coffee,” said Beihoff.
