Kōhi Time

Eugene, OR

https://www.kohitime.com/

Kōhi Time is the culmination of a 45-year love affair with coffee that began on a family trip to Japan. The owner, a former cubicle worker, now dedicates his life to sourcing the best organic coffee and serving it to the local community in an eco-friendly way. Kōhi Time's menu includes Groundwork coffees, housemade organic syrups, and delicious treats like shokupan cinnamon toast. The truck, named Barney, runs on biodiesel, and all equipment is powered 100% with solar and electric, ensuring zero noise and zero air pollution.

24k

WATT-HOURS

6k/12k

WATTS/PEAK WATTS

28,171

ANNUAL CO2 EMISSIONS SAVED

5-Year Savings

10-year Savings

OWNER(S)

Genelle Izumi

YEAR FOUNDED

2022

WHY DID YOU START A FOOD TRUCK?

After spending over 25 years behind a desk, I dreamed of being my own boss again. When the pandemic hit, it gave me time and opportunity to reassess my life goals. I grew up in the food business, was a food writer, had a granola business, and roasted coffee as a side gig, so I knew I wanted to get back into the game, and coffee was a natural selection. I would eventually love to own a tiny shoebox of a coffee bar, and having a food truck seemed like a good stepping stone.

WHAT'S ON YOUR FOOD TRUCK MENU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CUISINE?

While I have the requisite espresso machine, I most enjoy making and drinking cold brew concoctions. Luckily, my signature drinks are my best sellers, all made with cold brew. I choose coffee because it's what I love. Some people drink coffee to wake up; I wake up to drink coffee.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF BEING A FOOD TRUCK OPERATOR?

The neighborhood where I am currently parked is a true neighborhood in the best sense of the word. While I live on the other side of town, in the food pod where Barney the Van is parked, I feel like I am part of that community. I've only been in business since the beginning of October, but I already have regulars that stop by, and I LOVE that!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JOULE CASE AND YOUR NEW BATTERY SYSTEM?

Rian and his team have been great! I am so happy and thankful that my fabricator, Walt Dimick of NW Mobile Fabricators in Portland, found Joule Case. I approached several local alternative energy companies in Eugene about powering a coffee van, and they all told me it couldn't be done. Joule Case told Walt and me that they could make it work.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR TRUCK/MENU?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANOTHER FOOD TRUCK OWNER/OPERATOR?

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO USE JOULE CASE AND A BATTERY SYSTEM TO POWER YOUR OPERATION?