Crema Coffee Roasters

Crema Coffee Roasters was established in 2007 by founders Rachel and Ben Lehman in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the past fifteen years, the company has evolved from a single cafe into a multi-location operation, including its flagship downtown 'mothership' location on Hermitage Avenue, as well as cafes in East Nashville and Brentwood. The company has built its reputation on a foundation of intentionality, often cited as a pioneer in bringing a higher level of service and technical rigor to the Nashville coffee market.

The company operates as a fully integrated specialty roaster, managing its own in-house roasting facility in Nashville. Their production philosophy emphasizes small-batch roasting to ensure peak flavor intensity, with a specific focus on post-roast blending for their signature offerings. For instance, their flagship 'Tres Banderas' blend is composed of components from Central and South America and Ethiopia, which are roasted individually before being combined to achieve a consistent, balanced profile.

Sourcing transparency is a core pillar of the company's operations. Crema maintains direct relationships with producers, frequently traveling to origin to source green coffee. This approach is designed to bridge the gap between sustainable farming practices and the final consumer experience. By prioritizing direct trade partnerships, the company aims to support the economic viability of the small-batch farms from which they procure their beans, ensuring that the narrative of the coffee—from seed to cup—is preserved.

Beyond roasting and retail, Crema is distinguished by its commitment to environmental sustainability and education. The company operates as a zero-waste roaster, a documented aspect of their business model that influences their daily operations. Furthermore, they maintain a robust educational program, offering public classes on topics ranging from espresso basics and latte art to various manual brewing methods, such as Chemex and V60, to help customers replicate the cafe experience at home.

Crema’s influence extends into the broader specialty coffee industry through its consistent performance and recognition. The company has been named one of the '100 Best Coffee Shops in America' and the 'Best Coffee Roaster in Tennessee' by Food & Wine. Additionally, the brand has achieved high placements in Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) roasting competitions, underscoring their technical proficiency in the craft.

Today, the company continues to operate as a staple of the Nashville coffee community while expanding its reach through e-commerce and subscription services. By balancing its role as a local cafe operator with its identity as a transparent, quality-focused roaster, Crema Coffee Roasters remains a significant entity in the American specialty coffee landscape, known for both its operational standards and its dedication to community-focused coffee service.