Skip to main content
Who Makes The
BEST COFFEE
US Brand Directory
Rochester, Minnesota, Minnesota · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Fiddlehead Coffee Co.

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Fiddlehead Coffee Co.; not a documentary photograph
Owned by FairWave Specialty Coffee CollectiveRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
TagsFiddlehead Coffee Co.Minnesota coffee roastersOwned by FairWave Specialty Coffee CollectiveRoasts in-house
Visit Fiddlehead Coffee Co.'s site

Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator based in Rochester, Minnesota, that has established itself as a community-focused hub for high-quality coffee and artisan food. The company distinguishes itself through a commitment to hyper-seasonal coffee offerings and a mission centered on food system restoration within the local Rochester area. While the brand previously operated a roastery in Rochester, it transitioned its roasting operations to a larger facility in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to support increased production capacity. Despite this shift in infrastructure, the company maintains a strong presence in the Rochester market, operating cafes that serve as gathering spaces for the local community. The brand is entirely distinct from the Wisconsin-based Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters.

Corporate ownership disclosure

Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is owned by FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective

Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is an independent, family-owned business co-owned by Patrick Phelan. It is distinct from the Wisconsin-based Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters.

Ultimate owner: a mid-size coffee group

Ownership is disclosed when documented. Corporate parents can shape sourcing and independence claims. Public sources were researched as of 2026-10-02.

See every brand in this owner's portfolio →
Ownership
Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is an independent, family-owned business co-owned by Patrick Phelan. It is distinct from the Wisconsin-based Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters.
Founded
2017
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is known for its focus on community connection, hyper-seasonal coffee offerings, and a commitment to food system restoration in the Rochester, Minnesota area.
Farm-level sourcing
The brand emphasizes seasonal sourcing and community-focused partnerships, but does not provide a public list of specific farms or producers on its website. Information regarding their specific sourcing origins is not detailed in public documentation.
Documented coffee offerings

Coffees researched from Fiddlehead Coffee Co.

These are examples recorded during editorial research. They are not a live product feed. The coffee, lot, price, and availability may have changed. We have not necessarily brewed these coffees ourselves.

the Morning Blend

Various single origin coffees · Blended

This smooth, medium roast blend offers rich, balanced flavors of chocolate and honey.

Original roaster or listing source

Cold Brew Blend

Various single origin coffees · Blended

A dark roast with a full body and balanced brightness featuring notes of milk chocolate, molasses, and berries.

Original roaster or listing source

House Blend

Various single origin coffees · Blended

A signature blend crafted from precisely chosen single origin coffees to create a unique profile.

Original roaster or listing source

Espresso Blend

Various single origin coffees · Blended

A medium roast with a full body and bright acidity featuring notes of caramelized sugar, toasted marshmallow, and lemon zest.

Original roaster or listing source

External customer, cafe, marketplace, and class ratings are not comparable measures of the quality of an individual coffee. We do not convert them into original tasting scores or brand-wide star ratings. Our independent reviews are published separately after a coffee has actually been brewed and evaluated.

Verify original product sources

Retailer information: Fiddlehead Coffee Co.

Documented online sources
Fiddlehead Coffee Co.'s online shop
Historical source note (not live inventory): Sells a variety of single-origin coffees, blends, and decaf options directly to consumers.
Website

I verified that the Rochester-based Fiddlehead Coffee Co. maintains an online store, but I also identified a separate entity called 'Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters' based in Wisconsin that operates multiple physical cafes; the two brands are distinct, and the Rochester brand's physical locations appear to have closed as of 2023.

These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials. Last checked Oct 19, 2026. They are research links, not proof of current stock or a buying recommendation. Verify availability, price and location directly with the source.
In the news

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

2026-01-20 · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
New owner FairWave plans no major changes to Fiddleheads coffee shops

FairWave leadership stated that there are no immediate plans to change Fiddleheads' operations following the acquisition. The company emphasized its model of allowing acquired brands to operate independently while sharing resources across the collective.

2026-01-07 · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
What to know about FairWave, Kansas City firm that bought Fiddleheads

This report details the acquisition of Fiddleheads by the private equity-backed FairWave collective. It highlights operational plans, including the potential integration of food operations with FairWave's other Milwaukee brand, Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company.

2026-01-05 · Urban Milwaukee
FairWave Acquires Second Milwaukee Coffeehouse Chain

FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective has expanded its Milwaukee-area footprint to 12 locations by acquiring Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters. The acquisition follows a year of discussions and adds to FairWave's growing portfolio of regional specialty coffee brands.

2026-01-02 · Urban Milwaukee
Fiddleheads Coffee Embraces New Ownership; Local Legacy Lives On

Fiddleheads Coffee, a long-standing family-owned roastery based in Wisconsin, announced its acquisition by the FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective. The move aims to support the brand's long-term growth while allowing it to maintain its independent identity and local community focus.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-02. 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. I could not verify specific philanthropic programs or a comprehensive list of current single-origin coffee offerings, as the brand's website does not provide a public-facing e-commerce catalog or a dedicated sustainability report.

Your coffee interests. Every section.

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