Six Generations
Harder Hospitality’s story is deeply rooted in Oregon, with six generations of Harder family investing in this incredible place. It all began with a German immigrant who traveled to Astoria by wagon and started a dairy farm. In 1934, our great-great-grandfather built on that legacy by founding Harder Mechanical Contractors, which has grown into a $700+ million company tackling some of the toughest construction challenges across the western U.S.
With such strong entrepreneurial genes, we felt inspired to follow in the footsteps of generations before and expand upon my family’s legacy. Harder Hospitality began in 2021 with an investment in Steeplejack Brewing, a local brewery that went on to win Best New Brewery at the 2022 Oregon Beer Awards.
From there, we kept building. In 2024, we opened Harder Day Coffee Company and launched Musette, a bakery specializing in pastries and serving as a wholesale supplier for our coffee shops. That same year, we acquired Water Avenue Coffee, a beloved local roaster that deepened our connection to Portland’s vibrant coffee culture.
But we’re not stopping there. In 2025, we’re opening Local Cyclist Bike Shop, a space for everyone—from families looking for a fun weekend outing to advanced riders seeking high-end bikes and a professional fit studio. We’re also entering the spirits world with Harder Day Distilling Company, launching our first whiskey, gin, and vodka under the Sunbreak Spirits label.
From coffee to beer, pastries to cycling, and soon, to spirits, we’re proud to carry our family’s tradition of quality, innovation, and connection forward while celebrating everything that makes Oregon so special.
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