Cowgirl Barista is proof that a tiny coffee stand can have a huge impact. In Damascus, Oregon owner Nicole Riehl set out to build “a space for community,” and in the process created a local favorite and a viral sensation with her now-famous Coffee Bucket.
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“I’ve always loved coffee and the way it brings people together, but what really inspired me to jump into food service was the chance to create a space for community. I wanted Cowgirl Barista to be more than just a coffee stand — a place where neighbors could connect, feel welcomed, and start their day off right. I also grew up around small business, so serving people and building something of my own felt natural. Coffee just happened to be the perfect fit because it combines creativity, connection, and a whole lot of fun.”
What do you love about your business?
“What I love most about Cowgirl Barista is the people. Our customers aren’t just transactions — they’ve become friends, neighbors, and part of our story. I love being able to brighten someone’s day with a coffee and a smile, and I love the creativity that comes with building fun drinks and seasonal menus. Watching the business grow from something small into a place that brings people together every day is honestly the most rewarding part.”
The Coffee Bucket that went viral
“The coolest and most unexpected thing to happen at Cowgirl Barista was our Coffee Bucket. We were the very first to do it, and what started as a fun idea at our little stand ended up sparking a nationwide trend in the coffee industry. Our video went viral (over 1 million views), The Oregonian and Business Insider both wrote articles about it, and people started driving in from all over to get one. That moment also opened the door for new opportunities, like our collaborations with US ChefStore. It’s amazing to see how something so simple not only saved our business but also inspired shops across the country.”
Surviving the pandemic
“Our biggest challenge was surviving the pandemic. I opened Cowgirl Barista in 2019, and just a few months later everything shut down. Like so many small businesses, there were days I didn’t know if we’d make it. Sales dropped, and we were fighting just to keep the lights on. But through creativity, community support, and a whole lot of grit, we found ways to keep going. The Coffee Bucket going viral was a turning point that not only pulled us through but helped us grow. Looking back, I’m proud that we didn’t just survive — we came out stronger.”
How Cambro helps keep Cowgirl Barista running
“We use Cambro products for just about everything at Cowgirl Barista. Their food containers keep all of our sandwich toppings fresh and organized, and we even keep one dedicated for our cleaner and wet cloths so everything stays sanitary. The 22 qt Cambro bucket has become a staple — we use it to brew our cold brew, and one of our Coffee Bucket videos featuring it even hit nearly 500,000 views. Cambro products are durable, versatile, and make both the behind-the-scenes work and the customer-facing side of our business possible.”
Where to find Cowgirl Barista
Author: Felix Bazgan is the Director of Digital Marketing at Cambro.
