The Compass Rose Cafe is a unique, family-owned and operated restaurant, located on the Southern Oregon coast. The little cafe stands in the small community of Brookings, nestled between the Redwoods and the Pacific Ocean. In three short years, the Crino family, with the help of their loyal and hard-working employees have worked tirelessly to build the Compass Rose Cafe into something truly special.

The fact that the Crinos were even led to the Compass Rose Cafe in and of itself is an

incredible story. See how they followed their dream and moved from Utah to the Oregon coast during the middle of the pandemic by reading their story here:

https://www.currypilot.com/community/family-finds-way-to-brookings-with-cafe-dream/article_5ae7fe46-6193-11eb-a37d-1f4287d6fc8e.html

At the cafe, the Crino family ensures that they and their staff adhere to their motto: “All are welcome” and when you enter their establishment, you feel it. Always greeted with a smile and always sent off with a ‘thank you for coming’ staff are trained to make sure every patron is seen and given the same level of care and attention. Guests are encouraged to make use of any of the provided games like trivia, Uno, or even challenge each other to a chess game at the unique, stone-carved chess table.

The menu undoubtedly has a little something for everyone, serving breakfast and lunch classics like pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, and Reuben sandwiches. But it also includes healthier options like avocado toast, fruit and granola bowls, creative paninis, and plenty of selections for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dietary needs alike. Many unique items include their housemade Belgian waffle sticks, their Spicy Blackberry Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich, and their giant breakfast burritos - the biggest in town.

Families can be seen here on the weekends, enjoying a game while they sip their coffees and dunk their Belgian waffle sticks. Couples are always comfortable staying awhile for a cozy chat and the sweet retirees that make Compass Rose a part of their daily routine are always welcomed with a smile. Sometimes, we are the first and only people they speak to on a given day. For three years, our little shop has been a universe within itself in this town. Close friendships have been established. Romances have been sparked. Both laughter and tears have been shared amongst even strangers within these walls…

When the Crino family first took over the cafe, they assumed a lease originally signed by the previous cafe owners. It was a 5 year lease, with an option to renew at the end of May 2023. Last Monday, July 17th, with no time to prepare, the landlord served Compass Rose with an eviction notice, effectively giving them a mere 14 days to vacate the premises. When pressed for his reasoning, Compass Rose owners were told they could not afford what the new rent would be and that the landlord, a fellow competing restaurant owner, had his own ideas for a business in that space.

While it is true that Compass Rose had been late on their rent, they had just experienced a grueling winter of extreme inflation, major supply chain issues, and an unorthodox snowstorm the area hadn't seen the likes of in over 30 years which deterred many of their regular winter tourists. With that being said, they had been in communication with their landlord and had assured him payment was on its way. The day the rent had been paid, the eviction notice was posted,

The Compass Rose recognizes that they were late on rent after a long, hard winter, but they were beside themselves with the heartless nature in which their landlord chose to oust them for his own desires (or the wishes of neighboring restaurant owners). This sudden change in tone and a lack of willingness to work with the cafe was shocking and devastating. He is essentially ending the existence of Compass Rose Cafe as we know it. Without a space, Compass Rose is no more.

The owners of the cafe have never sought assistance from the government to start their

business. They have never received any pandemic-related relief assistance or PPP loans. Every penny they’ve ever spent on their business has been their own. In other words, they have never asked for help.

But now they need your help! Compass Rose Cafe is a special place that belongs here in Brookings, it must be kept safe. An amazing new location has just opened up, but it will require some help to get it going. Namely, it needs its own public restroom and decent kitchen to be constructed. These are not impossible tasks, but tasks that are impossibly costly for a family of six to take on alone. Especially a family that is no longer receiving income due to their business being pulled out from under them.

Thank you for taking the time to read and, if you feel so inclined, donate to the Save Compass Rose Cafe fund. The dream is to build something bigger and better, that will be open 7 days a week, including evenings. A true coffee shop, but different. A unique small-town gathering space that welcomes all, always. As one guest said so beautifully... Compass Rose Cafe is not only a restaurant but a spirit that will not be broken.