Skip to main content
Who Makes The
BEST COFFEE
US Brand Directory
North Chicago, Illinois · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Coffee by the Roast

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Coffee by the Roast; not a documentary photograph
Owned by Coffee Fresh, Inc.Roasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
TagsCoffee by the RoastIllinois coffee roastersNicaraguaOwned by Coffee Fresh, Inc.Roasts in-house
Visit Coffee by the Roast's site

Coffee by the Roast operates its roasting facility in North Chicago, Illinois, where it has been in business for nearly two decades. The company's coffee journey began in 1972 when founder Paul Masek started working at a local coffee shop and roastery. Today, the brand is documented for its roast-to-order model, which utilizes micro-batch technology to process and ship orders within 24 hours. They are recognized for offering a wide selection of over 100 specialty-grade coffees and blends, including historical recreations and customizable roast levels.

Corporate ownership disclosure

Coffee by the Roast is owned by Coffee Fresh, Inc.

The brand is a family-owned business led by founders Paul and Carrie Masek. It operates as the retail website for Coffee Fresh, Inc.

Owner-operated / independent

Ownership is disclosed when documented. Corporate parents can shape sourcing and independence claims. Public sources were researched as of 2026-10-20.

See every brand in this owner's portfolio →
Ownership
The brand is a family-owned business led by founders Paul and Carrie Masek. It operates as the retail website for Coffee Fresh, Inc.
Founded
2005
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
The brand is known for its roast-to-order model, allowing customers to select specific coffee origins and choose their preferred roast level for every order.
Sourcing countries
Nicaragua
Farm-level sourcing
The brand sources from over 30 countries but does not consistently publish specific farm or producer names for its offerings. They focus on providing a wide variety of single origins and blends that customers can customize by roast level.
Notable coffees
  • — Organic Nicaragua Segovia
  • — Mokha Java 1790
  • — Chicago Cup 1925
  • — New Orleans Roast 1803
  • — San Francisco Foglifter 1950
  • — Ile De France 1700
Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-20. 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 claims to source from over 30 countries, specific farm or producer names are rarely disclosed on their public-facing website.

Your coffee interests. Every section.

Learn something new, follow the people behind your cup, or explore by flavor and tags.