Rockford Coffee
December 15, 2014
Posted By: Shaunescy
BY ADRIENNE SCHROEDER
I discovered Rockford Coffee shortly after they opened about 10 years ago at 7th and Main. It was around the same time that I was a sleep deprived, new mom and spent a lot of time around the house in my jammies staring at my new baby… I’ve always loved coffee but it takes on a new meaning once you have kids. Sometimes I get excited to go to bed at night because I know when I wake up I get to make a cup of hot, strong coffee. It’s one of the only things in my life my kids don’t ask to share with me. Back then going to get a special coffee was kind of an event. I had a new baby I was home with, whom I adored but I knew I had to get out of the house once in awhile. I was tired and slightly nervous taking my baby places so I never wanted to go somewhere for too long or spend too much money. Going out for coffee was perfect. I could meet a friend, have an adult conversation and only spend a few dollars. Also, it allowed me to stay awake the rest of the day. (Remember, I was a first-time mom. They, as a group, don’t sleep much.)
I met Kristin and Ryan Wilson shortly after they opened Rockford Coffee and I liked them right away. They were so nice, about my age, had recently moved to Bozeman and our children are just a couple of years apart. I loved their coffee shop for many reasons. First of all their coffee is always, consistently good. (Consistency is key. So many places are hit or miss with good coffee…) As my daughter got older she noticed they had a stash of toys for kids to play with. She also noticed that I let her get a treat there, which she thought was the coolest thing ever. I try to keep mostly healthy food at home and get treats on the outside, so she was always up for going.
It kind of became a regular thing and eventually I got to know some of the people who worked there and even became friends with a couple of them. They have always had the best staff. My second daughter was the flower girl in one of their employees’ weddings, and they even had little half-pound bags of Rockford coffee as gifts for the guests. I photographed the wedding of another employee and I’m still in touch with a few others. I used to just love going there. I have fond memories of that time in my life. I still love it there but I don’t go as often anymore. I’m working now and my kids are in school. But Kristin and Ryan continue to make their coffee shop better and better. They opened a second location at Rouse and Main a couple of years ago. Now I go there mostly to meet prospective clients or work on my computer. It’s a great place for that. Even when they’re busy it’s never too loud in there.
They also roast their own coffee beans now at their location at 7th and Main.
And…TEACHER GIFT ALERT: A bag of delicious, fresh roasted coffee beans is a great gift for your children’s teachers as we approach the holidays. There aren’t many gifts you can buy for $12 anymore. Every time I give someone a bag of Rockford coffee they are so excited. Seriously. It’s the little things once you have kids… Plus, I like getting a gift I know someone will enjoy and appreciate. We all want to buy our children’s teachers something but I hate buying gifts just for the sake of buying gifts. A bag of coffee is perfect. They have gift cards too and sell a variety of teas, sandwiches and baked goods (even some gluten-free items) so even a non-coffee drinker could enjoy a gift certificate. You can even order coffee online to ship to someone.
So check them out at 7th and Main or Rouse and Main or online at http://rockfordcoffee.com
(406) 556-1053
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Adrienne has a Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition and does meal planning and cooking for people who want (or need) to change their diets.
She is also a mom to three children who are brutally honest about her experiments in the kitchen.
To contact Adrienne email: adrienne@mtparent.com .
