Shelter pets in Salem got an early Christmas present, courtesy of coffee-drinking Salem and Albany residents.
Bentley’s Coffee held their annual toy drive, in which consumers could drop off a new pet toy and walk away with a free drink at any of the organization’s five locations.
The drive collected 958 toys this year, up from 803 the year prior. Those toys were donated to Oregon Humane Society in Salem and SafeHaven Humane Society in Albany.
“We are so grateful to Bentley’s Coffee for supporting shelter pets in our community. These toys will provide enrichment and joy to the more than 140 cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in OHS Salem’s care right now,” said Laura Klink, media relations and community manager at the humane society.
The toy drive recognizes the birthday of Bentley the dog, who appears in the organization’s official logo. He turned 18 this year.
Salem resident Brandon Eastman, owner of Bentley’s Coffee (and Bentley), came up with the idea. “I just figured Bentley already has all of the toys and treats he needs, so let’s gather up his birthday gifts and give them away to dogs in need,” he said.
Toys aren’t the only donations Bentley’s Coffee makes to local shelters.
Every month, Eastman makes a donation driven by Pupshake sales. These dog treats, made with peanut butter, bananas, and a dog treat, are sold for $2.50, with $1 going to local shelters.
Last year, Eastman also donated $25,000 to the humane society to recognize his 10th anniversary of business in Salem.
“We’re always donating in one way or another, whether it’s gift baskets for drives or just other cash donations. The local shelters are our fundraising focus,” he said.
Eastman founded Bentley’s Coffee in 2012 as a four-person business. He’d owned several Dutch Bros franchises, and while he enjoyed the work, he wanted more creative control. He knew his dog would play a big role in the company’s branding and mission, he said.
“When I wanted to start the first coffee shop, Bentley’s was the first thing that came to mind. There was no debate,” he said. “He’s like my child.”
Naming a coffee shop after a dog may seem a little unusual, but Eastman said clear connections between dogs and coffee shops exist.
“Dogs generally are the best part of our days, and they make our days better. They’re always happy to see you. That’s what coffee shops can be, too,” he said.
Bentley’s Coffee started as a drive-through business, but when an old Starbucks property opened up in downtown Salem, Eastman took advantage. He converted the shop, hired staff, and prepared for plenty of customers. Unfortunately, he opened that store just weeks before Covid shutdowns took hold.
Business in that shop has rebounded, although Eastman says his drive-through locations tend to be busier. He opened an Albany shop in 2022, and he has plans for new locations in central Oregon.
Eastman has about 70 employees right now, and with expansion on the horizon, more are expected.
Eastman hopes to keep celebrating Bentley with a toy drive every December. The pup once loved toys and had plenty of them. But with advancing age, his interest in playtime has dropped a bit.
“He’s pretty set on miniature tennis balls, and that’s all he needs,” Eastman said.
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Jean Dion is a freelance writer and marketing professional. She's lived in Salem for about 10 years. When not writing, she dabbles in gardening, photography, and caring for her dogs, cats, and rabbits.
