From barista to owner.
Spenard Grinds isn't run by a company. It's run by Amarin — a neighbor who knows your order.
Amarin Pokrivnak was born and raised in Anchorage, but her family is from Crooked Creek, a Yup'ik village on the Kuskokwim River. Her grandmother is Agnes Harrison (Parent). She's a Calista Corporation shareholder, a mom of two daughters — ages five and eight, and very much baristas-in-training — and, since 2024, the owner of the little teal coffee hut at 3208 Spenard Road.
She didn't start at the top. Amarin came on as the shop's manager, learned the regulars and the rhythm of the drive-thru window, and when the chance came to buy the business from her boss, she took it. "Just go for it," is the advice she gives other would-be owners, "even though it may seem scary."
"My team of amazing baristas has certainly contributed to the shop's success. We wouldn't be where we are today without them."
Ask her what's most rewarding, and it's the people: getting to meet so many new faces, and turning customers into friends. That's the whole point of the window.
Small hut, big heart
We learn your name
The best part of this job is the people. We'd rather know your usual than rush you through — friendships, one window-side chat at a time.
Alaska Native–owned
Amarin is a Calista shareholder with family roots in Crooked Creek. We're the only Alaska Native–owned coffee hut on Spenard Road, and we carry that with pride.
New every month
Our baristas are always inventing. A fresh menu of limited-time drinks drops on the 1st of every month — because coffee should be a little bit fun.
A Spenard neighbor
We're not a chain and never will be. We're a small hut on a weird, wonderful road, and we love being part of this community.
The Spenard Grinds story
- 1
2022
The hut opens
Spenard Grinds pours its first cup on Spenard Road, right next to the Carousel Lounge.
- 2
Early days
Amarin behind the bar
Amarin signs on as manager and falls for the regulars and the rhythm of the window.
- 3
2024
She buys the shop
Amarin purchases Spenard Grinds from her former boss — going from barista to owner.
- 4
Oct 2025
Three years strong
The hut turns three and keeps growing, one "oh, I love that shop!" at a time.
- 5
Next
On the road
A mobile trailer is the dream — pop-up Spenard Grinds at events all over Anchorage.
Come let us learn your order.
Pull up to the window, or order ahead and we'll have it ready.