Folly Coffee Roasters

Folly Coffee Roasters was established in January 2018 by founder Rob Bathe, a former beer salesman who transitioned into the specialty coffee industry with a mission to remove the pretentiousness often associated with high-end coffee. The company is based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and operates as a small-batch roaster, emphasizing the natural flavor profiles of single-origin beans rather than relying on additives or dark, bitter roasts. The name 'Folly' is a nod to the history of Minneapolis, specifically the Stone Arch Bridge, which was once derisively called 'Hill's Folly' before its immense value to the city was realized.

The company’s production is led by head roaster Jeff Mooney, who is recognized as a nationally ranked coffee taster. Mooney’s role is central to the brand’s consistency, as he tastes every batch to ensure the final product meets the company's quality standards. This commitment to technical precision has earned the brand recognition in various industry publications and a 2019 Good Food Award, which highlights producers who demonstrate excellence in both craft and social responsibility.

Folly Coffee’s sourcing philosophy centers on forming long-term partnerships rather than transactional relationships. By focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced beans, the company seeks to introduce a broader audience to the diverse flavor spectrum of specialty coffee. Their product range includes a variety of single-origin offerings, as well as an 'Experimental Series' that showcases the roastery's technical capabilities and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional flavor profiles.

In May 2023, Folly Coffee Roasters, along with its sister brand Philtera Cold Brewed Coffees, was acquired by FairWave, a collective of independent specialty coffee businesses. This partnership was designed to allow Folly to leverage the collective's resources, share best practices, and expand its service offerings to cafes and restaurants. Despite the acquisition, the brand has maintained its identity as a lighthearted, approachable local roaster.

Beyond its wholesale operations, which supply numerous cafes, restaurants, and grocery retailers throughout the Twin Cities, Folly maintains a direct-to-consumer presence through its website. The company utilizes its digital platform to offer subscriptions and educational content, reinforcing its goal of making specialty coffee accessible to both 'coffee nerds' and casual drinkers alike.

Today, Folly Coffee stands as a notable example of a modern, internet-first specialty brand that successfully transitioned into a broader regional collective. Its story reflects a broader trend in the U.S. coffee industry where independent roasters seek scale through collaborative networks while attempting to preserve the craft-focused, small-batch ethos that defined their early growth.