Meet Greg Buchheister

What began as a dream of opening a café became a place where community, conversation, and belonging come together.

Espresso machine brewing coffee as person froths milk nearby.

Three cups of latte with heart latte art on a snowy table outside.

Outdoor café with tables, umbrellas, and patrons in a sunny setting.

Barista smiling behind coffee cups and espresso machine, with orange coffeebar sign.

Two fluffy dogs sipping from yellow cups held by a person on a sunny sidewalk.

1 /

Sometimes Life Leads You Somewhere Better

Greg Buchheister didn't set out to build Coffeebar in Truckee.

After years in Colorado, a love affair with the cafés of Italy, and a journey that took him around the world, he believed Los Angeles would become the home of his dream. But when those plans fell through, he returned to Truckee, uncertain about what came next.

Then a friend mentioned a vacant coffee shop tucked away on Jibboom Street. Greg rode his bike downtown, looked through the window, and instantly knew.

In October 2010, with determination, a vision inspired by the welcoming cafés of Italy, and just enough resources to take a leap of faith, Coffeebar opened its doors in downtown Truckee. What started as one small café has grown into something much bigger, while remaining rooted in the community where it all began.

What started as a business venture became a life rooted in these mountains. Fifteen years later, this place has shaped me as much as I've shaped anything here.

Two men smiling in front of a coffee shop entrance.

More Than Coffee

Greg didn't want to build another coffee shop.

He wanted to create the kind of place he'd fallen in love with overseas, where hospitality came first, conversations happened naturally, and everyone felt welcome.

"I wanted people to come in for a cup of coffee... or just for a smile and a friendly conversation. I realized that more than a business, the café would be a place where I could finally be me."

That philosophy continues to shape everything Greg creates, from Coffeebar to Dopo Pizza & Pasta. They're gathering places where visitors become regulars, neighbors become friends, and every guest is treated like they belong.

"Coffeebar runs more on heart and less on the bottom line."

Café interior with people sitting at a counter, chatting and drinking.

Creating Community

Over the years, Greg discovered something unexpected.

People weren't just coming to Coffeebar for great coffee. They were coming for connection.

Families gathered after ski days. Friends caught up over cappuccinos. Visitors asked locals where to hike, eat and explore. During winter storms, people arrived on cross country skis just to share a warm drink and conversation. The café became a place to warm up, swap stories, and reconnect after a day outside. Those simple moments reminded Greg that community often grows in the smallest interactions.

Greg realized he'd built something much bigger than a café when one customer shared that Coffeebar had helped carry them through one of the hardest seasons of their life.

Today, Greg continues that commitment through his businesses, his work supporting thoughtful growth, and his belief that hospitality has the power to strengthen a place.

Through Greg's Eyes

Outdoor café with large umbrellas and people dining, surrounded by greenery.

Favorite Place to Gather

The Original Coffeebar

The original Jibboom Street café will always hold a special place in Greg's heart. It's where a dream became reality and where he watched neighbors become friends, visitors become regulars, and community take shape one cup at a time.

Favorite Community Tradition

Storm Days in Truckee

Some of Greg's favorite memories happen after the snow falls. Roads slow down, neighbors arrive on skis, and conversations linger a little longer. Those storm days remind him that mountain communities are built as much around people as they are around powder.

Barista pours milk into coffee, two people watch, modern cafe setting.

What I Hope Visitors Take Home

A Sense of Belonging

Greg hopes visitors leave with more than beautiful photos. He hopes they experience the warmth of a community that welcomes everyone, supports local businesses, and makes them feel like they belonged, even if only for a little while.

Why This Place Matters

For Greg, the true spirit of Truckee Tahoe isn't found in a single ski line or mountain trail.

It's found in the people.

Whether chatting with a barista, discovering a neighborhood café, or slowing down long enough to connect with someone new, Truckee Tahoe has a way of making people feel welcome.

Truckee Tahoe is a place where wild landscapes meet grounded people. It's rugged, beautiful, and fiercely protective of its soul."