Where Every Cup Carries the Mission

The mornings are becoming crisp in Sandy, and nothing feels more welcoming than the smell of coffee and fresh baked goods at the AntFarm Café & Bakery. For more than ten years, the café has been part of local life, serving meals and drinks that not only nourish customers but also support the youth and family programs of AntFarm.

From vision to gathering place

Construction began and the café opened in 2013. Youth and volunteers helped strip floors, polish wood, and bring the vision to life. Young people learned new skills as they worked side by side with adults shaping the space, and small efforts like setting up a clothing closet or making soup were part of those early efforts to welcome the community inside.

Kim Wheeler, now AntFarm’s Executive Director, remembers those early days well. She recalls the energy and excitement as young people took ownership in building something for the community. Looking at what the café has become today, she describes it as “our living room. It is a place where we can come together, connect with people, and feel comfort in the simple things, the chatter, the music, the espresso machine. It is a place that welcomes all walks of life.”

That sense of welcome is still at the core. The café is known for soups, breads, and pastries baked in-house, along with sandwiches made from fresh ingredients. Coffee comes from Nossa Familia  and teas from The Jasmine Pearl , both Portland companies chosen for their quality and values.

Behind the scenes, a tenured kitchen team keeps the café running with consistency and pride. Their decades of experience and strong work ethic have earned admiration from both customers and colleagues. Café manager Henry describes them as “the heart and soul of AntFarm,” noting their steady work and care as the backbone of daily operations.

The barista team brings the café to life for customers. They greet regulars by name and create the kind of easy atmosphere that makes people want to linger. Assistant manager Cameron still remembers his first packed weekend (Hood to Coast!) and how the team moved together with ease. “I was amazed at how everyone just stepped in wherever they were needed. It felt seamless, and the energy in the café was so warm and welcoming,” he said. The rhythm of lattes, greetings, and shared tables turns the café into something larger than a coffee shop; it’s a place to connect.

Henry and Cameron, both stepping into leadership this year, bring different backgrounds but a shared focus on mentoring and trust. Henry puts it simply: “A good café, like a good community, cannot depend on one person. We are strongest when everyone has the chance to bring their gifts forward.”

Though the café closes at 3 p.m., the building often reopens for community events, small gatherings, art displays, and more. Leadership has been exploring ideas like live music, poetry nights, and even a gallery space for children’s artwork. Catering and grab-and-go options have also been expanding to meet the needs of locals, hikers, and commuters.

The public face of AntFarm

For many residents, the café is the most visible part of AntFarm Youth Services. It is often the first place many learn about the organization’s broader mission, which includes youth hubs, workforce programs, gardens, and community support across rural Clackamas County.

Kim believes that role is central. “The café gives people a chance to slow down, share their stories, and discover what AntFarm offers. It has always been more than coffee.”

The café even had a recent viral moment, with an Instagram Reel of its cold brew topping 1.7 million views. It was fun to see the café, and by extension AntFarm’s mission, reach such a wide audience. For the team, that kind of spotlight was exciting, but the real reward is still serving neighbors and supporting the local community every day.

Cameron put it simply: “This café has such a warm culture. It is more than food and coffee; it is a community that cares about you when you walk through the door.”

As the seasons change and the years pass, the café remains a place to meet neighbors and share a meal, but it will always carry a bigger purpose. Each order placed at the counter helps AntFarm continue its work with youth and families, extending the spirit of community far beyond the café’s doors.

 AntFarm Café & Bakery39140 Proctor Blvd., Sandy, OR 97055Open daily, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.cafeandbakery@antfarmyouthservices.com | (503) 668-9955