8th & Roast Coffee Co.

Founded in 2009, 8th & Roast Coffee Co. has established itself as a prominent fixture in the Nashville specialty coffee scene. Originally starting as a single neighborhood coffeehouse, the company has expanded its footprint to include multiple retail locations across Nashville, as well as a significant presence in the Nashville International Airport and various hospitality partnerships. The brand operates as both a destination for consumers and a wholesale provider, supplying coffee to a diverse range of partners throughout the Southeast and beyond.

The company’s operational model centers on a commitment to specialty-grade coffee and a structured approach to sourcing. Since 2021, 8th & Roast has explicitly prioritized a 'relationship coffee' philosophy. This sourcing strategy is built on three core pillars: identifying exceptional coffee, ensuring fair compensation for producers, and maintaining long-term, collaborative partnerships with farm partners. By focusing on these direct relationships, the roaster aims to provide greater price stability for farmers while ensuring consistency and quality for their own roasting program.

In practice, 8th & Roast manages a diverse portfolio of offerings, ranging from signature espresso blends—such as their Sunflower Espresso—to various single-origin selections. Their roasting facility serves as the hub for these operations, supporting both their internal retail needs and an extensive wholesale program. The wholesale division provides more than just roasted beans; it offers consulting services for new business build-outs, equipment procurement, and staff training, positioning the company as a comprehensive partner for cafes and restaurants.

Beyond its core retail and wholesale business, 8th & Roast has secured several high-profile institutional partnerships that have elevated its brand visibility. In 2024, the company became the official coffee partner for Vanderbilt University, providing coffee to campus dining halls and markets. Additionally, in 2025, the company was named the Official Coffee Partner of the Tennessee Titans, a multi-year agreement that includes serving coffee at Nissan Stadium and the future stadium facility scheduled for 2027.

The company’s retail experience is designed to balance high-quality coffee with a curated food menu. Their shops emphasize a 'less is more' approach, focusing on a refined selection of drinks and fresh, locally sourced food items rather than an exhaustive menu. This strategy is intended to maintain high standards of preparation and service, which has contributed to the brand's reputation as a local favorite in the Nashville area.

Transparency and sustainability remain central to the company's public narrative. By emphasizing their direct-trade model, 8th & Roast seeks to differentiate itself in a competitive market by highlighting the human element of the supply chain. This focus on 'relationship coffee' is intended to reassure consumers about the ethical implications of their purchase, linking the final cup directly to the producers who cultivated the crop.

Today, 8th & Roast stands as a significant leader in the Southeast’s specialty coffee industry. Through its combination of retail expansion, strategic institutional partnerships, and a commitment to producer-focused sourcing, the company continues to influence how coffee is experienced and distributed in the Nashville region and across its growing wholesale network.