Who we are

What can two sisters, with ten years between them, very different aesthetic interests, and for that matter, many differing interests in general, create when they come together? The answer, obviously, is a coffee shop.

Let’s back up just a bit though.

Sarah moved to Roanoke, VA back in 2015, and, had you told her that one day her sister Amy would too, well, to say the least, she just wouldn’t have believed you. However, beliefs, they certainly change, and in 2020, her sister did in fact move here too from the suburbs of Chicago from whence they came.

Sarah and Amy bring to Altar experience from both the corporate and small business world, and with that, about 20 years of leadership experience combined. Beyond the direct experience to the world of coffee, their passions range from art, local agriculture, health, language, personal development, personal, radical responsibility, reading, hiking, camping, and on it goes. You’ll see these themes emerge through workshops and gatherings we have in the works.

Our Culture + the values that make it

Freedom | Integrity | Love

Bringing Altar to life is and has been about the coffee, yes, and, the connection that happens around each precious cup.

‘Everything happens in relationship’*.

This is how we see the world.

There is no disconnect from anything or anyone or any single choice we make.

In a world where actual disconnection is hidden behind hyper-connection, we care deeply about curating space to bring about thought-provoking connection, heart opening conversations and life expanding possibilities.

This journey has only just begun, and we are so glad to have you with us.

With love,

Sarah + Amy

*Thanks to Kate Kavanaugh of the ‘Mind, Body, and Soil’ podcast for her words, wisdom and work. ‘Everything happens in relationship’ came to us from her talk at the ‘What Good Shall I do Conference’ from this episode here.