Business
Caliber Coffee pairs caffeine and community
Published
8 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersStory and photos by Jessianne Wright EBS Contributor
BIG SKY – When visitors enter Opie Jahn’s new Big Sky coffeehouse, they are greeted by a wave of energy that emanates from the business owner himself. Jahn and his wife Annie Burd run Caliber Coffee’s storefront in the West Fork Meadow shopping center.
Jahn greets his customers with enthusiasm and familiarity, either from behind the counter as he prepares coffee from his own roasted beans, or from the comfort of his eclectic array of couches and chairs. With Ozzy Osbourne playing in the background, Jahn waves his fingers madly at the espresso machine, with a wide smile on his face.
“The coffee costs money,” he said. “The shows and my opinion are free.”
His décor also serves as a greeting, with chalkboard menu signs, burlap coffee bags, a vintage moustache couch and a couple of animal wall mounts, all welcoming customers to a space of comfort and energy.
Jahn began his roasting business in 2014, in response to his obsession with a good cup of coffee, after having used it to help him quit drinking alcohol. First thing in the morning, he would pull out the scales and the thermometer and get to work roasting his own coffee at home.
“It developed into a monster,” Jahn said.
With encouragement from his friends, Jahn took a course on roasting and started his business, Caliber Coffee, Inc. Two years later, on Feb. 1 of this year, he expanded the business by opening the new coffeehouse, located near Gallatin Alpine Sports on Snowy Mountain Circle. And Jahn knew going into the endeavor, he would be spending a lot of time at the new location.
“My dad has a saying,” he said. “‘The best part about owning your own business is you only work half days. It doesn’t matter which 12-hour shift.’”
With this in mind, he set about decorating Caliber Coffee based on his own tastes and interests. He wants to feel comfortable, as if he’s in his own living room, he said.
Customers have responded well to the new space. Vito Valentinetti is a Caliber Coffee regular, and he’s stopped in nearly every day since it opened.
“I’d been waiting for a dedicated coffeeshop to open here at this location,” Valentinetti said. A website designer, he enjoys having a space he can work at outside of his home.
“They built a cozy, cool place to hang out,” Valentinetti said.
“We’re not done yet,” Jahn said. He pointed to an expanse of maps pinned to the wall. “I want to be more than a coffeehouse. I know I look like a tattooed hippie, but really I’m a redneck.”
An active member of Big Sky Search and Rescue, as well as a former ski and hunting guide, Jahn hopes to create an environment of adventure and community.
“Before you go on your adventure, I want you to be able to get a sandwich for your pack, coffee to fuel your day and all the information on area conditions,” Jahn said. He already prints and hangs the regional avalanche and Gallatin River fishing reports. Eventually, he would like to have a logbook for customers to share their experiences and tell stories about their adventures, including details about conditions.
In addition to providing backcountry knowledge, Jahn would like to see a sense of community grow at his shop. Referring to our screen-connected society, he said he wants a real social network at Caliber Coffee, where people get off their phones and communicate face to face.
Currently, Caliber Coffee is the meeting place for a local knit and crochet group, and if other area groups need a meeting place, or just a space to hang out, Jahn is open to the idea.
“Come in and talk to me,” he said.
Caliber Coffee is located at 80 Snowy Mountain Circle in Big Sky and is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
september, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 29 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 30 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 29 (Monday) 6:00 pm - October 7 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
more
Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 31 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 1:00 pm
Location
Len Hill Park