4.5
🇪🇹Ethiopia
US Brand Directory
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive
Groundwork
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
Visit Groundwork's site Groundwork Coffee is a prominent Los Angeles-based specialty coffee roaster and cafe chain that has been committed to certified organic and fairly traded coffee since its founding in 1990. Originally established as a small-batch roaster in Venice Beach, the company has expanded its footprint across the West Coast while maintaining a focus on direct trade relationships and sustainable agricultural practices. As a Certified B Corp, Groundwork emphasizes a mission-driven approach that prioritizes environmental stewardship and long-term partnerships with smallholder farmers. Beyond its retail cafe presence, the brand is recognized for its extensive line of organic whole bean coffees, cold brews, and teas, all supported by a philosophy that views coffee as a catalyst for community connection and creative endurance.
Founded
1990
Roasting
Roasts its own coffee.
What it's known for
Certified organic coffee roasted in Los Angeles since 1990, with USDA Organic and B Corp certification.
Sourcing countries
Ethiopia
Farm-level sourcing
The bag for its Organic Ethiopia: Heirloom Blend does not name a specific farm or farmer; Groundwork says its beans are sustainably sourced from certified organic farms and that it buys and roasts the washed and natural Ethiopian lots separately before blending them.
Notable coffees
- — Angel City
- — Black Gold
- — Ethiopia
- — Bitches Brew
- — Big Easy
Bags we've traced from this brand
Every coffee below is in our review database with its full transparency chain — from this brand through the roaster to the farm and farmer who grew it. Follow any bag back to where it started.
Sources used in this deep dive
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/pages/our-coffee
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/pages/our-story
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/blogs/learn/groundwork-is-officially-a-certified-b-corp
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/pages/why-organic-1
- https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/pages/our-values
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-09-30. It is not a review: we have not tasted this brand's coffee. Ownership, roasting and sourcing claims belong to the brand and its published materials. While the brand emphasizes its commitment to supporting farmers and local communities, it does not publish specific names of charitable organizations or concrete financial data regarding its philanthropy programs on its website.