Broadsheet Coffee Roasters

Broadsheet Coffee Roasters was established in 2017 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by founder Aaron MacDougall. The company’s name serves as an homage to the local history of the Harvard Printing Press, which utilized large-format broadsheet paper nearly 400 years ago. Operating out of a facility in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company functions as both a retail cafe located near Harvard Yard and a wholesale provider for various restaurants and grocery stores throughout the Boston area. It is frequently cited as the first specialty coffee roastery to operate within the city of Cambridge.

Before launching the brand, MacDougall established a technical foundation in the coffee industry, notably earning a Q Grader license. His expertise was further demonstrated through competitive success, including a fifth-place finish at the U.S. Cup Tasters Championship and a victory in the inaugural 'Roast & Go' competition hosted by the importer Genuine Origin. This win provided MacDougall with the opportunity to visit coffee farms and mills in Honduras, an experience that helped shape the company's early sourcing perspective.

The company’s sourcing philosophy centers on working with conscientious producers, exporters, and importers to secure high-quality green coffee. Broadsheet emphasizes a range of flavor profiles, from traditional, comforting notes to more experimental and distinct characteristics. This approach is intended to highlight sweetness and balance, with the goal of making specialty coffee accessible and easy to brew for the consumer.

Technical precision is a core component of Broadsheet’s operations. The roastery utilizes a Loring S-35 Kestrel for its production, which is complemented by post-roast quality control measures including destoning and color-sorting via a Sovda Pearl Mini. These investments in equipment are part of a broader commitment to consistency and quality control, which the company maintains through ongoing participation in national roasting and cupping competitions.

Beyond its roasting operations, Broadsheet maintains a significant focus on wholesale partnerships. The company provides commercial equipment sales, technical support, and barista training to its partners. This service model includes consultations on bar layout and service flow, aiming to support the success of the coffee programs at the various restaurants and cafes that carry their beans.

Today, Broadsheet continues to operate as an independent, specialty-focused entity. Its business model integrates a direct-to-consumer retail presence, a subscription service, and a wholesale division. By maintaining a state-of-the-art roasting and training facility in Somerville, the company remains focused on iterative improvements to its roasting techniques and the continued development of its relationships with coffee producers globally.