Panama
Boquete, Panama · Washed
This coffee features a clean and vibrant profile with subtle hints of citrus, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate.
Original roaster or listing source US Brand Directory
Lincoln, Nebraska · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive
The Coffee Roaster
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
Visit The Coffee Roaster's site The Coffee Roaster is a woman-owned, family-operated specialty coffee business based in Lincoln, Nebraska, that has been dedicated to the craft of air-roasted coffee since 1995. By utilizing Sivetz fluid-bed roasting technology, the company distinguishes itself from traditional drum-roasting methods, aiming to produce a cleaner, more consistent cup that highlights the natural characteristics of the bean. Beyond its production capabilities, the roastery serves as a community-focused hub that emphasizes coffee education through public cuppings, brewing classes, and local events. The brand maintains a strong local reputation for its approachable yet expert-led coffee experience, balancing a commitment to technical precision with a welcoming, neighborhood-oriented atmosphere.
Ownership
The Coffee Roaster is an independent, family-owned business. It was founded by Gary Karnes and is currently owned and operated by his daughter, Sam Karnes, and her husband, Vince Ruhl.
Founded
1995
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
The brand is known for being Lincoln's only air-roastery, utilizing Sivetz fluid-bed roasting technology to produce coffee without the charred or bitter notes often associated with traditional drum roasting.
Farm-level sourcing
The brand emphasizes thoughtful sourcing and offers a variety of single-origin coffees and signature blends. However, they do not publicly list specific farm or producer names for their current offerings on their website.
Documented coffee offerings
Coffees researched from The Coffee Roaster
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.
Espresso Blend
Central America and Indonesia
A hand-crafted blend with a rich, chocolatey body and a bold, caramel finish.
Original roaster or listing sourceExternal 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: The Coffee Roaster
Documented physical retailers
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand operates a physical roastery and retail shop located at 5022 Old Cheney Road in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Physical
Documented online sources
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand sells its full range of coffee beans, subscriptions, and merchandise directly through its official website.
Website
I was able to verify the brand's physical retail location in Lincoln, Nebraska, and its direct-to-consumer online store; no other third-party retail partners were identified in public documentation.
These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials. Last checked Oct 20, 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 The Coffee Roaster, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.
2026-06-18 · SIVETZ
SIVETZ | Roaster of the Month – The Coffee Roaster (Lincoln, Nebraska) The Coffee Roaster was featured as the Roaster of the Month for its long-standing commitment to air-roasting technology. The profile highlights the company's history since 1995, its transition from original Sivetz equipment to ASHE roasters, and its unique retail model that focuses on pour-over service rather than traditional espresso-based drinks.
2026-04-16 · Omaha Magazine
The Coffee Roaster: FACES of Lincoln 2026 Owners Sam Karnes and Vince Ruhl were recognized in Omaha Magazine's 'Faces of Lincoln' feature. The article highlights the shop's recent shift toward an interactive customer experience, specifically noting the addition of a pour-over bar and a unique 'sniffer wall' that allows customers to sample coffee aromas before purchasing.
Sources used in this deep dive
- https://coffeeroasterlnk.com/
- https://coffeeroasterlnk.com/collections/all
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-coffee-roaster-lincoln
- https://www.shops1000.com/US/Lincoln/164587968055/The-Coffee-Roaster
- https://coffeeroasterlnk.com/products/panama
- https://coffeeroasterlnk.com/products/espresso
- https://joe.coffee/locations/ne/lincoln
- https://coffeeroasterlnk.com/pages/about
- https://www.omahamagazine.com/faces-of-lincoln/sam-karnes-amp-vince-ruhl-the-coffee-roaster-faces-of-lincoln-2025
- https://www.1011now.com/2025/06/21/coffee-roaster-celebrates-30-years-lincoln-staple
- https://www.dailynebraskan.com/culture/a-good-roast-lincoln-shop-air-roasts-coffee-beans/article_0295c802-b77b-11e6-84cc-3be5f9381979.html
- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-coffee-roaster-12012942052
- http://www.coffeeroasterlnk.com/
- https://sivetz.com/sivetz-roaster-of-the-month-the-coffee-roaster-lincoln-nebraska
- https://www.facebook.com/coffeeroasterlnk
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 brand emphasizes ethical and sustainable sourcing in general terms, it does not provide a verifiable list of specific sourcing countries or documented philanthropic programs on its website or public social media channels.