Minden Lions are in for a special treat this Thursday as Derek Peris, owner of Barnyard Roasters and Brick Street Coffee, will provide the program during the club’s noon meeting. He will talk about where coffee comes from, the roasting process, and how it makes it into the consumer’s cup. As part of the program, Derek will have a time of show-and-tell, showcasing his first roaster and both green and roasted beans.
Upon graduation from high school in Maryland in May of 1990, Derek embarked on a six-year tour of duty as a U.S. Marine. Two years into his adventure, he met the love of his life, Debbie Savory, in California. Not wanting to be separated during the next four years, they married in the picturesque Napa Valley in 1993.
With active duty complete in 1996, Derek adapted to civilian life as a salesperson in the food service/packaging industry. In late 1997, he and Debbie followed a job opportunity to the Seattle, Wa., area. Derek’s sales territory included two states and three Canadian provinces. Over the next 25 years, the Perises moved around Puget Sound and raised four wonderful children – Rebecca, Lily, Anna and David.
Always intrigued by coffee, Debbie bought Derek a mini roaster in 2015. By 2018, he had acquired two larger roasters. In 2020, the pandemic cost Derek his sales job and he started a full-time business selling two coffee brands to grocery stores, cafés, and coffee stands.
In 2021, the Perises felt a great desire to leave the Pacific Northwest. Derek said many factors weighed on their decision, but God had more to do with it than their mental capacity could grasp. The Lord led them to Minden, where they made their home. By February of 2022 they completed the purchase of a historic building in downtown Minden, the former Crichton Hardware located at 509 Main St. Planning and construction took almost 18 months and the grand opening of Brick Street Coffee was held in October 2023.
Today, it’s a family affair as Derek, Debbie, and their four children all work together in the coffee roastery business and café. The Perises are active members of Evening Light Tabernacle. Derek also serves on the board of directors of the Greater Minden Chamber.
Derek will be introduced Thursday by Lion Tracy Campbell.