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Portland, Maine, Maine · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Coffee By Design

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Coffee By Design; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Farm level
TagsCoffee By DesignMaine coffee roastersColombiaGuatemalaIndiaRwandaKenyaEthiopiaBrazilCosta RicaHondurasIndependentFarm levelRoasts in-house
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Coffee By Design is a mission-driven specialty coffee roaster and retailer that has served as a cornerstone of the Portland, Maine community since 1994. The company operates its own artisan roastery and multiple coffeehouses, focusing on sustainable sourcing and supporting local arts and progressive causes. They are widely respected for their commitment to ethical stewardship and high-quality, handcrafted coffee.

Ownership
Coffee By Design is an independent, 100% woman-owned business. Co-founder Mary Allen Lindemann acquired her former partner's shares in 2023.
Founded
1994
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
Coffee By Design is a highly influential Maine roaster recognized for its commitment to community engagement, the arts, and sustainable sourcing. It was named Roast magazine's 2020 Macro Roaster of the Year.
Sourcing countries
Colombia · Guatemala · India · Rwanda · Kenya · Ethiopia · Brazil · Costa Rica · Honduras
Farm-level sourcing
The brand emphasizes direct relationships with farmers and producers, often highlighting specific farms or washing stations for their single-origin offerings. They maintain a mix of single-origin coffees and custom-developed blends for wholesale and retail partners.
Notable coffees
  • — Rwanda Nyamasheke Gasharu Honey
  • — Rwanda Nyamasheke Ireme Anaerobic
  • — Diamond Street Morning Blend
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Coffee By Design, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2024-08-09 · Portland Press Herald
Coffee By Design closes India Street cafe in Portland

Coffee By Design closed its India Street location, marking the third retail closure for the company in approximately 18 months. The business is shifting its focus toward its wholesale and online operations, leaving its Diamond Street roastery and cafe as the company's sole remaining physical location.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-21. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the brand emphasizes direct relationships and names specific farms for many single-origin coffees, a comprehensive list of every current farm partner is not explicitly published in a single database.

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