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Indianapolis, Indiana · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Helm Coffee Roasters

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Helm Coffee Roasters; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Farm level
TagsHelm Coffee RoastersIndiana coffee roastersPanamaColombiaEthiopiaGuatemalaIndependentFarm levelRoasts in-house
Visit Helm Coffee Roasters's site

Helm Coffee Roasters is an Indianapolis-based, women- and LGBTQ+-owned specialty coffee roaster that prioritizes community connection and inclusive hospitality. Founded by former professional rugby player Jillon Potter, the brand operates as a roastery-first business with a weekend-only cafe space in the Garfield Park neighborhood. They are recognized for their high-level technical approach to roasting and brewing, bolstered by the competitive success of their team on the national and international stage. The company emphasizes curiosity and purpose, curating single-origin coffees that highlight the specific characteristics of their origin.

Ownership
Helm Coffee is an independent, women-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned business founded by Jillion Potter and Carol Fabrizio.
Founded
2022
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
Helm is known for its community-focused approach, inclusive atmosphere, and high-quality small-batch specialty coffee roasting in the Garfield Park neighborhood.
Sourcing countries
Panama · Colombia · Ethiopia · Guatemala
Farm-level sourcing
The brand highlights specific farms and producers for its single-origin offerings, such as Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama and Yessica Parra in Colombia. They focus on specialty-grade beans and offer both single-origin selections and custom house blends.
Notable coffees
  • — Panama Hacienda La Esmeralda Buenos Aires 4 FC Gesha
  • — Colombia Yessica Parra Washed Gesha
Documented coffee offerings

Coffees researched from Helm Coffee Roasters

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.

Ecuador Finca del Putushio, Jose Jijon, Washed Typica Mejorado

Ecuador · Washed

The flavor profile is sweet, bright, smooth, balanced, clean, and juicy, with notes reminiscent of lemonade, wildflower honey, fruit punch, and yellow dragon fruit.

Original roaster or listing source

Guatemala Finca La Tormenta Cold Washed Gesha

Guatemala · Cold Washed

This is a specialty Gesha variety coffee highlighting the specific terroir of the Finca La Tormenta farm.

Original roaster or listing source

Ecuador Finca Soledad, Pepe Jijon, Wave Washed Sidra #22/32

Ecuador · Wave Washed

A unique Sidra variety coffee processed using the producer's specific wave washed method.

Original roaster or listing source

Espresso Blend

Colombia, Brazil · Washed & Pulped Natural

An approachable blend featuring notes of red berries, chocolate, and caramel with a creamy texture.

Original roaster or listing source

Summit Blend

Huehuetenango, Guatemala · Washed

A smooth, fruit-forward blend with notes of citrus, chocolate, and honey and a gentle acidity.

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: Helm Coffee Roasters

Documented physical retailers
Helm Coffee Roasters
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand operates a physical cafe and roastery located at 2324 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN.
Physical
Documented online sources
Helm Coffee Roasters's online shop
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand sells its full range of roasted coffee beans and subscriptions directly through its website.
Website

I was able to verify the brand's own physical cafe location and its direct-to-consumer online store, but I found no evidence of the brand being sold through third-party grocery chains or external online marketplaces.

These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials. Last checked Oct 15, 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 Helm Coffee Roasters, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-10-31 · Sprudge Coffee
The Sprudge Guide To Coffee In Indianapolis

This guide highlights Helm Coffee as a notable Indianapolis roaster, detailing the partnership between founder Jillion Potter and 2025 US Brewers Cup Champion Justin Bull. The article notes the roastery's focus on light-roasted microlots and its role as the official coffee sponsor of the Gen Con gaming convention.

2025-11-19 · Indianapolis Monthly
Foodie: Garfield Park's Helm Coffee

Indianapolis Monthly profiles Helm Coffee, focusing on the work of head roaster Justin Bull. The piece highlights the cafe's contribution to the city's evolving food and drink culture through its high-level coffee program and focus on small-producer sourcing.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-09-30. 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 community engagement and inclusive values, no specific, verifiable charitable programs with defined financial or percentage-based commitments were found in public documentation.

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