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Wheaton, Illinois, Illinois · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

I Have a Bean

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for I Have a Bean; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Origin / region level
TagsI Have a BeanIllinois coffee roastersGuatemalaIndependentOrigin / region levelRoasts in-house
Visit I Have a Bean's site

I Have a Bean is a specialty coffee roaster based in Wheaton, Illinois, that operates with a dual focus on high-end coffee quality and a profound social mission. The company sources exclusively from the top 1% of Arabica beans globally and utilizes a 'roast-to-order' model, ensuring that every batch is roasted and shipped on the same day to guarantee peak freshness. Beyond its commitment to craft, the roastery serves as a platform for social change by specifically hiring and supporting individuals re-entering society after incarceration. By combining technical innovation in roasting with a dedication to providing second chances, the brand has established itself as a community-focused leader in the specialty coffee market.

Ownership
I Have a Bean is an independent, family-owned business.
Founded
2007
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
The company is known for its commitment to sourcing top-tier specialty coffee and its social mission of employing individuals who have been previously incarcerated.
Sourcing countries
Guatemala
Farm-level sourcing
The brand emphasizes sourcing from the top 1% of Arabica coffee globally. While they identify specific regions and origins, such as Guatemala Huehuetenango, they do not consistently publish specific farm or producer names for all offerings.
Notable coffees
  • — Guatemala Huehuetenango - Los Cuchumatanes
Documented coffee offerings

Coffees researched from I Have a Bean

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.

Sumatra - Aceh - Harimau Tiger - DP

Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia · Double Picked (DP)

This coffee offers a complex profile typical of high-quality Sumatran beans with earthy and spicy undertones.

Original roaster or listing source

Costa Rica - Las Lajas - Sabanilla de Alajuela - Microlot

Sabanilla de Alajuela, Costa Rica · Natural

A bright and sweet microlot featuring distinct fruit-forward characteristics.

Original roaster or listing source

Guatemala - Huehuetenango - Los Cuchumatanes

Huehuetenango, Guatemala · Washed

This coffee features notes of Brazil nut, golden raisin, and cacao with a citrus, cinnamon, and toffee finish.

Original roaster or listing source

DECAF - Mexico - Cristal - Origin Select - MWP

Mexico · Mountain Water Process (MWP)

A high-quality decaffeinated coffee that maintains a clean and balanced flavor profile.

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: I Have a Bean

Documented physical retailers
I Have a Bean Roasting Plant
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand operates a physical roasting plant and retail counter in Wheaton, Illinois, where customers can purchase bags of coffee.
Physical
Platform Coffee
Historical source note (not live inventory): Located at the College Ave Metra station, this shop serves hot and cold brew coffee from I Have a Bean.
Physical
Documented online sources
I Have a Bean's online shop
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand sells its full range of freshly roasted coffee beans directly to consumers through its official website.
Website

I verified that the brand operates a direct-to-consumer model via its own website and a physical roasting plant in Wheaton, Illinois, explicitly noting that they do not stock their coffee on grocery store shelves to ensure freshness. I also identified one local partner, Platform Coffee, that serves their product.

These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials. Last checked Oct 14, 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 I Have a Bean, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-04-27 · The Wheaton Record
College Ave. Station’s New Coffee Shop Pours into the Wheaton Community

Platform Coffee opened in the College Avenue Metra station in March 2026, featuring coffee supplied by the Wheaton-based roastery I Have a Bean. The partnership highlights I Have a Bean's reputation for quality and its social mission of employing formerly incarcerated individuals.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-01. 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 company emphasizes its social mission of hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, it does not publish specific details regarding formal philanthropy programs or a list of sourcing countries.

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