This is the first article of a series that the Revelstoke Review will post online every Saturday during the market season to highlight the vendors that make the Farmers’ Market special.
Mark Hartley was up at 5:45 a.m. to get his bright orange Stoke Roasted Coffee Company, Inc. canopy set up near the parking lot next to Kawakubo at the first Local Food Initiative Farmers’ Market of the season.
Stoke Roasted Coffee Company, Inc. has been in Revelstoke for 15 years. As the owner, Hartley has been in the market for some time. Standing in the shade of his stand, he spoke about what the market means to him and to Stoke Roasted Coffee Compny Inc, and how it’s changed over the years.
From dark roasts, to blends, to light roasts, Hartley has it all. The variety of organic, single origin, coffee is to remain attractive for all patrons.
“We just try to have wide appeal,” said Hartley.
In its 15 years, Hartley confirmed that he’s seen several versions of the market. His electrical needs put his station on the edge of the market, but Stoke Coffee Company Inc’s stand used to be in the centre.
“In the different iterations of the market, we’ve been in the thick of it in different spots over time. It’s kind of nice to have a bit of space on the side here,” said Hartley.
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Although Hartley was up early to get his spot set up, he said the first market of the season came with some adjustment.
“I’m not on my game,” he joked, revealing that he almost forgot the canopy after a winter of indoor markets that didn’t require it. Hartley explained that he’d read online that it’s best not to drink coffee straight out of bed.
In the past, while he’s made the effort of getting up and doing some things prior to having a cup, the shift made the early morning tough because he’s not a morning person.
Hartley is an avid rock climber, so he said when the market finishes in the afternoon, he heads for the hills.
“See people in the market and then plot afternoon escapades.”
His favourite part of the market is getting to see his customers in-person.
“It’s really social,” he said.
“People are generally pretty relaxed and happy.”
In the summer when tourism peaks, Hartley said he enjoyed speaking to tourists. Asked what he appreciated about the tourists, Hartley described how the newcomers gave him a fresh perspective.
“It’s kind of nice to get the outsider’s view on the community and realize how lucky we are to be doing this 24/7,” he said.
Stoke Roasted Coffee Company Inc’s is available at the Farmers’ Market every Saturday, in local grocery stores, and some restaurants. Their website has more information about where their coffee can be found.
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@ZacharyDelaney
zach.delaney@revelstokereview.com
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