Skip to main content
Who Makes The
BEST COFFEE
US Brand Directory
Whitmore Lake, Michigan, Michigan · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

M-36 Coffee Roasters

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for M-36 Coffee Roasters; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
TagsM-36 Coffee RoastersMichigan coffee roastersIndependentRoasts in-house
Visit M-36 Coffee Roasters's site

M-36 Coffee Roasters was established in 2020 by former Espresso Royale employees Ken Pargulski and Lisa Tuveson following the closure of the Espresso Royale chain. The company operates its primary roastery in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, and maintains a cafe in Ann Arbor at the site of a former Espresso Royale location. The roaster is documented for preserving the legacy of the Espresso Royale brand by continuing to produce its classic blends alongside new offerings. Beyond its retail presence, the company supplies wholesale coffee to regional grocery stores and partners with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a dedicated state park coffee line.

Ownership
M-36 Coffee Roasters is an independent, family-owned business co-founded and operated by Ken Pargulski and Lisa Tuveson, both former long-term employees of Espresso Royale.
Founded
2020
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
The brand is known for preserving the legacy of the former Espresso Royale coffee shops in Ann Arbor, supplying wholesale coffee to regional grocery stores and cafes, and operating a popular campus-adjacent cafe in Ann Arbor.
Farm-level sourcing
The brand emphasizes a 'crop to cup' philosophy but does not publicly disclose specific farm or producer names on its website. They offer a variety of blends, including those that replicate classic Espresso Royale recipes, alongside various single-origin offerings.
Notable coffees
  • — M-36 Home Roast
  • — House Blend
  • — Verone
  • — Napoli
  • — Bourbon Barrel Coffee
  • — Direct Trade Rwandan
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about M-36 Coffee Roasters, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2026-10-21 · The Michigan Daily
Best Coffee: M-36 Coffee Roasters Cafe

M-36 Coffee Roasters was named the winner of the 'Best Coffee' category in the 2026 Best of Ann Arbor awards. The cafe, which operates in a former Espresso Royale location, was recognized for its small-batch roasts and its role as a popular hub for students.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-25. 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. The brand's website does not provide a list of specific sourcing countries or farm-level transparency details.

Your coffee interests. Every section.

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