Ember Coffee Company

Ember Coffee Company, based in Big Lake, Minnesota, is a specialty coffee roaster founded by Matt and Elisa Berry. The company emerged from the founders' shared passion for coffee, officially launching in 2021 to serve their local community. The brand is deeply rooted in the history of Big Lake, with the name 'Ember' chosen to symbolize the rekindling of a local gathering space that had faded over time. Their operation has gained regional recognition, including being named the 'Best Coffeehouse in Minnesota' by the Star Tribune in 2023.

The company operates with a philosophy centered on small-batch roasting and quality control. By utilizing a roasting capacity that allows for careful monitoring of each batch, the founders ensure that they can maintain consistency and flavor integrity. This approach is driven by a preference for selling out of specific lots rather than over-producing, which allows the roastery to maintain high standards for every bag of coffee that leaves their facility.

Sourcing at Ember Coffee Company involves working with a select group of importers with whom the founders have established personal relationships. This strategy is designed to ensure transparency and quality, allowing the roastery to offer single-origin coffees that reflect specific regional characteristics. The company emphasizes the importance of the supply chain, aiming to connect the drinker to the care and effort invested by the farmers at the origin.

In practice, the company functions as both a roastery and a community hub. Their business model includes a strong focus on direct-to-consumer sales, shipping beans shortly after roasting to ensure peak freshness. Beyond coffee, they curate a selection of brewing equipment that the founders personally use, positioning themselves as a resource for home baristas looking to improve their daily brewing rituals.

The founders have been transparent about the challenges of building a sustainable coffee business, noting that the transition to a stable operation required years of intensive labor and difficult decision-making. Their commitment to hiring the right staff and maintaining a physical presence in Big Lake has been central to their growth. This focus on the 'barista at home' experience reflects their desire to be more than just a supplier, but a partner in the customer's coffee journey.

As of 2026, the company continues to evolve, with the Berrys actively managing the roastery and expanding their service hours. Their story stands as an example of a modern, community-centric roastery that balances the technical demands of specialty coffee production with the social responsibility of fostering a local gathering place. By maintaining a lean, quality-focused operation, Ember Coffee Company remains a notable entity in the Minnesota specialty coffee landscape.