Brooklyn Roasting Company

Founded in 2009 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Roasting Company (BRC) was established with the objective of providing high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee to the New York City market. The company was created to revive the borough's historical legacy as a center for coffee roasting. Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Jim Munson, the company has grown into a major local roaster, supplying hundreds of wholesale accounts across New York City's five boroughs while operating its own branded cafes.

The company's production headquarters is located in Building 123 of the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. This facility, originally constructed in 1899 as an industrial power plant, features significant architectural characteristics, including sixty-foot ceilings and thick brick walls. The site is notable for being the first LEED-certified building within the Navy Yard, reflecting the company's emphasis on operational sustainability alongside its coffee production.

BRC’s sourcing philosophy centers on transparency and ethical trade, with a stated commitment that approximately 90% of its coffee offerings are Fair Trade certified. This approach is intended to ensure that farmer partners receive a living wage, addressing the economic challenges often faced by coffee producers in developing nations. In addition to Fair Trade, the company occasionally sources unique auction-lot coffees and maintains a preference for Rainforest Alliance certified beans.

Technologically, the company utilizes Loring Peregrine and Kestrel roasters, which are selected for their fuel-efficient industrial capabilities. The roasting process is supported by a quality control department that emphasizes sensory evaluation—training staff to trust their palates rather than relying exclusively on digital metrics. This focus on sensory development is a core component of their internal training programs for both employees and wholesale partners.

Beyond its direct-to-consumer and wholesale business, BRC has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships. In 2024, the company announced a collaboration with Keurig Dr Pepper to introduce its coffee blends into the K-Cup pod format, specifically featuring its Java Mocha and Coney Island blends. This move represents a shift toward broader retail accessibility while maintaining the company's branding as a local, artisanal roaster.

The company maintains a business philosophy described as "serious but not snobby," aiming to balance high-end quality with accessibility. This ethos extends to their packaging, which utilizes recyclable materials such as tin steel cans and reusable wholesale delivery totes. By combining industrial-scale production with a focus on sustainable certifications and local identity, Brooklyn Roasting Company remains a central figure in the contemporary New York coffee landscape.