Are you tired of the same old coffee every morning? While many of us settle for a quick brew at home or a convenient stop at a chain like Starbucks, there’s a growing movement of coffee lovers looking for something more special to start their day. If you’re looking to elevate your coffee experience and support small businesses at the same time, you’re in luck! Here are ten independent coffee roasters from around the country that will make your mornings extraordinary.
BLK & Bold Specialty Roastery – Des Moines, IA
If you love variety in your coffee, BLK & Bold Specialty Roastery offers an incredible selection of flavors. Based in Des Moines, IA, this black-owned business is more than just a coffee company; they have a mission. Founders Pernell and Rod donate 5% of their profits to nonprofit organizations across the U.S. This means that when you enjoy a cup of their coffee, you’re not only treating yourself, but you’re also contributing to meaningful social causes.
BLK & Bold’s diverse coffee and tea offerings are available both online and in stores. Plus, if you’re serious about your coffee, you can subscribe to their coffee subscription service for a regular supply of their amazing blends.
Onyx Coffee Lab – Rogers, AR
Located in the heart of Rogers, Arkansas, Onyx Coffee Lab is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Set in a historic building, Onyx is renowned not just for its coffee but also for its commitment to sustainability. They take pride in their eco-friendly packaging and roasting techniques, which shows that they’re serious about their environmental impact.
What sets Onyx apart from other roasters is their wide range of services. Whether you’re looking to host a private event, need help with espresso machine repairs, or want food and beverage consulting, Onyx can do it all. For those outside of Arkansas, their extensive online store offers nationwide shipping.
La Colombe – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s La Colombe Coffee Roasters has built a reputation as one of the trendiest spots in the city. Their mission is simple: to make people happy through their coffee, and they take that seriously. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and fair trade, La Colombe sources its beans from ethical farms around the world, ensuring that their coffee is not just delicious, but responsibly produced.
La Colombe offers both subscription services and unique blends that you won’t find anywhere else, making them a go-to for coffee aficionados looking to elevate their daily brew.
Dark Matter Coffee – Chicago, IL
Looking for a coffee brand with a bit of an artistic edge? Dark Matter Coffee in Chicago is known for their vibrant, art-inspired packaging. But it’s not just the packaging that’s impressive—their coffee is top-notch as well. What makes Dark Matter special is their direct relationships with farmers around the world. By cutting out the middleman, they ensure that farmers are well-compensated for their work while delivering unique, high-quality coffee to customers.
In addition to coffee, Dark Matter offers mobile ordering, subscriptions, and even an engaging YouTube channel that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the world of coffee.
cxffeeblack – Memphis, TN
cxffeeblack (pronounced “Coffee Black”) out of Memphis, TN, is a proud black-owned business that’s reclaiming the history of black coffee culture. The brand’s unique mission is to bring attention to the rich but often overlooked contributions of black people to the coffee industry. As their website emphasizes, they want to reclaim the black history of coffee, which is reflected in their branding, products, and outreach efforts.
More than just a coffee company, cxffeeblack is involved in various media productions that explore the intersection of black history and coffee culture, making them a must-follow for socially conscious coffee drinkers.
Intelligentsia Coffee – Chicago, IL
Chicago-based Intelligentsia Coffee takes a unique approach by viewing everyone involved in their business—from farmers to customers—as collaborators. This philosophy shapes their entire business model, which emphasizes high-quality coffee and respectful treatment of everyone involved in the supply chain.
If you’re a local, Intelligentsia even offers home brewing classes to help you get the most out of your coffee. And for those further afield, their website features detailed brew guides, so you can make barista-quality coffee right at home.
Oakland Coffee Works – Oakland, CA
Ever wondered what happens when rock stars dive into the world of coffee? Oakland Coffee Works, founded by none other than the members of Green Day, brings a punk rock ethos to the coffee industry. Their products include a range of unique coffee blends and merchandise, and they place a strong emphasis on sustainability—sourcing only fair-trade beans and using eco-friendly packaging.
If you’re looking for a coffee brand with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and a commitment to the planet, Oakland Coffee Works is your new favorite.
Colectivo Coffee – Milwaukee, WI
What started as a small business in Milwaukee, Colectivo Coffee has grown into a beloved local brand with locations throughout Wisconsin. Colectivo offers a variety of coffee blends and subscription services, but they also stand out for their loyalty app, which rewards customers with points for every purchase.
Beyond great coffee, Colectivo is deeply invested in their community, regularly supporting charitable initiatives and using their business as a platform to give back.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Portland, OR
Known for its strong ties to Portland’s vibrant community, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a favorite among locals. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in everything they do, from sourcing only fair-trade beans to promoting local artists through in-store displays. Stumptown offers both hot coffee and cold brew, making them a versatile choice for coffee lovers everywhere.
Their reputation for high-quality, ethically-sourced coffee has made them a household name not just in Portland but across the country.
Equator Coffees – Marin County, CA
As a women-owned business, Equator Coffees is on a mission to prove that “coffee can be a force for good.” Based in Marin County, CA, Equator offers an array of unique coffee blends and detailed brew guides for those who want to perfect their brewing skills at home. Additionally, they are a certified B Corporation, meaning they prioritize sustainability and ethical business practices at every level.
If you’re looking for a coffee brand that aligns with your values, Equator Coffees is a great choice.
Why You Should Support Independent Coffee Roasters
When you buy from one of these independent coffee roasters, you’re not just getting a superior cup of coffee—you’re supporting small businesses that are making a difference. From sustainable farming to community engagement, these companies are proof that coffee can be about more than just caffeine. So, the next time your morning brew feels a little boring, try something new from one of these outstanding roasters.