Duluth Coffee Co.

Duluth Coffee Company was established in 2012 by founder and owner Eric Faust. The company’s origins were modest, beginning with Faust roasting coffee in his garage on a 3-kilo roaster and distributing the product via a white Ford F-150 nicknamed "White Lightning" to local farmers markets and restaurants. This grassroots approach allowed the business to grow organically, eventually leading to the establishment of a dedicated roasting facility and cafe in the heart of downtown Duluth, Minnesota.

As demand for the company's coffee increased, the operation scaled significantly. The original 3-kilo roaster was replaced by a 12-kilo machine, which remains in use at the downtown cafe. In 2017, the company further expanded its production capacity by installing a 70-kilo roaster in a separate space within their building. This expansion allowed the team to maintain its focus on roasting to order, ensuring that coffee is delivered fresh to highlight the nuances of origin, variety, and processing techniques.

The company’s sourcing philosophy is centered on integrity and intentionality. Faust and his team prioritize single-origin coffees, frequently traveling to Central and South America to meet with farmers and establish direct contracts. These ongoing relationships are intended to foster sustainability and security within the coffee supply chain, paying homage to the culture and community at the source of each harvest.

In practice, Duluth Coffee Company emphasizes a roasting style that avoids over-development. The roastery aims to highlight the inherent flavor profiles of the beans rather than masking them through darker roasts. Their offerings are strictly single-origin, with specific roasts designed to showcase the potential of beans from regions such as Chiapas, Mexico; Cajamarca, Peru; and Huila, Colombia.

Beyond its roasting operations, the company has integrated itself into the local Duluth community. It operates a cafe and a "scratch kitchen" that features farm-to-table food, and it serves as a wholesale provider for other local businesses, such as Yellow Bike Coffee. The company’s mission remains focused on improving the lives of those involved in the coffee supply chain, from the farmers at origin to the final consumer.

Today, Duluth Coffee Company is recognized as a key player in the regional specialty coffee scene. It maintains a commitment to education and accessibility, striving to evolve the local coffee culture. By maintaining direct ties to producers and focusing on the technical aspects of roasting, the company continues to operate as a prominent roaster in the Twin Ports area.