Thor Drake is back on the motorcycle coffee scene with his latest venture, One Moto Cafe. This new establishment marks a fresh chapter after his departure from See See in 2022, a business he launched in 2009. See See, known for its fusion of coffee culture and motorcycle passion, initially grew into a popular chain across Portland, Beaverton, and Reno. However, financial troubles with his former investor, Sortis Holdings, led to the closure of several locations, including the St. Johns site, which was eventually rebranded as Wonderwood Cafe.
Drake’s decision to part ways with Sortis Holdings and the subsequent challenges were not without difficulty. “It’s just a tough situation,” Drake reflects, noting Sortis Holdings’ lack of response to interview requests.
Seizing the opportunity to revitalize his brand, Drake took over the lease of See See’s former flagship location on Northeast Sandy Boulevard. After a month-long renovation, One Moto Cafe emerged, featuring a brighter, cleaner space and a refreshed selection of merchandise. While the core offerings, like pastries from Jen’s Bakery and hot dogs during happy hour, remain, there are notable updates including a new coffee supplier, Puff Coffee, from Stumptown founder Duane Sorenson. This change aims to enhance the cafe’s seasonal drink menu and overall coffee experience.
The grand opening of One Moto Cafe on July 26 was a significant event, marking not only the launch of the new cafe but also celebrating 15 years of blending coffee culture with motorcycle enthusiasm. Unlike See See, which did not have a grand opening, this event allowed Drake to commemorate the occasion with a vibrant party.
In addition to its local offerings, One Moto Cafe is branching out by providing coffee and refreshments for Live Nation artists at major regional concert venues. This new endeavor allows Drake and his team to serve “Portland’s finest” to some of the music industry’s biggest names.
Drake expresses his passion for creating unique and personalized spaces, saying, “I’m not necessarily a coffee guru or whatever, but I love building out the spaces and putting the personal touch on them.” With One Moto Cafe, he aims to offer a distinctive experience that continues to merge the worlds of coffee lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts.