An interview with Sam Buck-Lundberg, owner of Sambuck’s Coffeehouse, 1154 Commercial St., Astoria (503) 338-5459

Quality and good service are top priorities for this Sambuck’s Coffehouse, which has been taking care of its customers for nearly 41/2 years. It’s not a business Sam Buck-Lundberg planned to get into, but rather a case of opportunity knocking and a door being opened to it.

Sambuck’s is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.

What do you want people to know about your business?

“We customize each drink to each customer.”

What do you offer your customers?

“We have an endless variety of flavors. We offer hot, cold, iced, blended, lattes, mochas, lunches and chili dogs on Wednesday. A lunch of soup and bread is $3.25. Also available are nachos, bagels, muffins and Kinghokum, a Swedish bread. For customers who may want to revisit childhood memories we have a variety of nostalgic candy.”

How would you describe the atmosphere of Sambuck’s?

“It’s hysterically funny. People come in on their breaks to get a good laugh.”

Where does the name of your shop come from?

“My name is Samantha and my maiden name was Buck, hence Sambuck’s.”

What can you tell me about the volume you do?

“It keeps growing and growing.”

Do you offer delivery service?

“We have free downtown delivery between Eighth and 16th streets. It’s a big part of our business.”

I understand you have a slogan at Sambuck’s.

“Yes. ‘We perk up our coffee your way.'”

What about people who may not be familiar with all the different beverages you offer?

“We’re also here for people who don’t understand about these drinks. We make all our customers feel like part of the family.”

What satisfies you most about this business?

“The variety we’re able to serve, from regular coffee to specialty drinks.”

– Patty Hardin