POURING CUPS OF LIFE

A business profile on Clyde's Coffee

by Sandi Solomonson Stop by and grab a cup at 292 Kingsbury Grade

We know it as morning mud, jitter juice, or a cup of motivation. We drink it leaded or unleaded, and recite our selfproclaimed formulas for sugar, foam, iced or hot. Today we’re celebrating all things coffee and those who demand the perfect cup.

For Craig and Marlo Quillin, moving from the Bay area to South Lake Tahoe included the stipulation of good coffee; uh, make that superior coffee. Unable to locate a great “cup of Joe,” they did what any coffee aficionado would do; opened their own roasting house, cafe, and store. With that, Clyde’s Coffee Roasting Company was born in Stateline, NV. Upon opening their doors in spring of 2017, success was immediate as locals and visitors alike were also seeking an impressive cup of java.

“Everyone welcomed us. We went to ‘coffee school’, did a lot of homework, and continued to perfect the roasting process. It really is an art. We insisted on opening our business with the highest standards and a great customer experience,” shared Marlo.

Partnering with Vournas Coffee Trading ensures all beans are sustainably sourced from speciality estates and co-ops. With over 25 years of relationships, this distributor has helped to benefit generations of farmers in small villages including water, improved education, and facilities.

“We are very picky,” said Marlo. “We buy the best green coffee beans and are perfectionists about how we roast them. You can see and taste the difference.”

Stepping inside, you’ll find a blend of Alpine and Mountain Cowboy decor. There’s a sense of warmth and community here, a place to meet old friends, chat, or pick up a gift. In fact, Clyde’s

This distributor has helped to benefit generations of farmers in small villages including water, improved education, and facilities.

Coffee Roasting is much more than a place to grab a cup as they offer coffee subscriptions to guarantee you never go without your morning jolt. Flavors like Tahoe Fireside Blend, Cowboy Coffee Beans, and Tahoe Morning Blend give a nod to the nostalgia of Lake Tahoe.

In addition to making a great cup of coffee, Clyde’s Roasting Company bakes pastries every morning from local famed Paul Schat’s Bakery. Adhering to Paul’s fastidious standards allows them to proudly offer exceptional pastries to customers daily. My personal favorite is the Apple Strudel; just saying.

Truly a family affair, husband Craig and son Clyde (the business namesake) share the passion for operating a small business in Lake Tahoe. Since opening their doors, customers have watched son Clyde grow from a high school Freshman to a strapping, very tall, young man. Now studying business at University Nevada Reno, Clyde looks forward to expanding the family business. As far as mom Marlo, she is a successful Realtor with Chase International. Developing strategic partnerships with Chase agents allows her to balance 2 businesses, while providing Chase’s legendary luxury service to her valued clients.

What’s in the future for this uber successful family-owned company? Well, to expand their wholesale business to local restaurants, resorts, and other coffee houses that insist on top quality. To strive for the perfect coffee experience.

As Marlo stated, “We give what everybody wants when they walk into a cafe. They want the vibes, the happy, warm and fuzzy feeling that only the best cup of coffee can provide.”

So, stop by Clydes at 292 Kingsbury Grade for a cup of craft coffee and pastry. Or, visit their site at clydescoffee.com. It’s your opportunity to meet this Tahoe family business who is spreading java and joy-one cup at a time.