News that Portland’s Ladybug Organic Cafe has closed
Ladybug Organic Cafe
A big thank you to all of the people in St. Johns (and the rest of the universe) who have supported us during that time. It makes me exceptionally sad to say that yesterday was the last day for the Ladybug. We did our best, but times have been tough and we ran as far as we could go. Always with lots of love,
Angel
You may remember an article in the NY Times from December 2008, about their job application process.
But as the owner of Ladybug Organic Coffee Company, a coffee shop that serves pastry and other light fare, Angel O’Brien, 31, has managed to break new ground in Portland’s hypercompetitive, hypercaffeinated coffee community — with a five-page job application form that includes 10 essay questions intended to weed out all but the most devoted and cheerful baristas and bakers.
“What is the most important thing that you have ever learned, and how has it changed your life?” one question reads. “What is something that you do on a regular basis to make the world a better place?” And, “What is one thing that you think would make Portland a better city?”
I guess event the strictest hiring standards are not a guarantee of success.
Tommy says
Hmmm… In a “hypercompetitive coffee community,” with a coffee shop on every damn corner, they created a job application designed to weed out most of their potential employees… That must’ve been a fun shop to work for. Perhaps this offers us a clue as to why they’re no longer around.
livetoeat says
I used to walk to Ladybug just about every day until I moved to a different neighborhood. Of all the coffee places I’ve been to, including: Barista, Crema, Coffee House Northwest, Albina, Fresh Pot, Stumptown, ect.. I never got a more consistently excellent espresso or more genuinely friendly service. Angel is very sweet and she took time to remember the name of a non -hipster 40-something patron like me. Only two other places have I received this type of friendliness; Little Red Bike – which, alas has closed as well. And Coffee House Five – two of the nicest brothers you would ever want to meet own that place.
Angel, I wish you the very best!
mzwong says
That NYT article was written by Beth Slovic, current reporter at Willamette Week. In case that is interesting to anyone.
Catherine Cole says
That’s a big loss. I adored that place and was amazed with how much care went into everything (cloth napkins, homemade ketchup, organic ingredients etc.). Bummer for that neighborhood.
jimster says
Better coffee and certainly better food at the nearby and still open James John Cafe. A more eclectic place to be sure but great lattes, baked goods, sandwiches and cured meat items. Wish it was in my neighborhood and that I didn’t have to drive 15 minutes to get there.
Mel says
@jimster I infinitely preferred Ladybug over James John Cafe.. JJC is a dark, echoey cavern where the people behind the counter constantly seem like they are about to have a nervous breakdown right there in front of you. They serve Stumptown which is reliably good anywhere you get it, but the people there are soooo weird…
Schrammalama says
I heard from a local that the operating costs of the cafe were heavily subsidized by the owners father. When the landlord decided to squeeze her by raising the rent from $5000 to $6000/mo, daddy warbucks refused to pay-up. Why do landlords get stupid?
Edward says
Sad to hear that place closed. They had a great atmosphere inside, and the service was always friendly. I always felt bad that they seemed strapped with UP students squatting for hours sipping a small coffee.
malifanz says
This is so sad. While not always perfect in execution or service, they more than made up for it in heart and friendliness. We will miss the Bug.
jammer says
I certainly don’t wish to see any neighborhood business close, but I will echo the sentiments that the food at JJC has always been vastly superior. While the ‘atmosphere’ may not suit all tastes (certainly less kid friendly than the Bug) the food at JJC is top notch. The staff can be frenetic, but if lean staffing keeps the prices reasonable and the food outstanding, that’s a trade I’ll accept.
Paolita says
This is absolutely heart breaking to me. I was lucky enough
to eat breakfast at the Lady Bug once while visiting Portland and
to this day remains one of my all time favorite spots. It is so sad
to see such a “good-all-around” business close it’s doors.
Definitely a big loss! My heart goes out to Angel.