Goshen Coffee Company

Goshen Coffee Company was established in 2002 in Edwardsville, Illinois, with the foundational goal of making specialty coffee accessible to a broader audience. The company operated under its original founder, Matt Herren, for nine years before he decided to close the business in 2011. Rather than lose his preferred daily coffee, entrepreneur Jay Beard purchased the company, transitioning it from a small local operation into a growing regional brand. Today, the company maintains a presence in both Edwardsville and the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri.

Following the acquisition, the company underwent significant operational shifts. In recent years, leadership transitioned to CEO Jennifer Hughey, marking a shift toward female-led management in an industry where roastery leadership has historically been male-dominated. Under this current leadership, the company has focused on national growth while maintaining its roots in Southern Illinois. The company operates as a family-owned entity, emphasizing a culture of craft and community engagement.

A defining characteristic of Goshen Coffee is its technical approach to roasting. The company utilizes a hybrid roasting system that combines air and drum technology. This proprietary setup is designed to recycle hot air rather than venting it, which the company reports has increased their energy efficiency by 90%. This focus on efficiency is paired with a "roast-to-order" model, ensuring that inventory is processed and shipped shortly after roasting to maintain freshness for both wholesale and direct-to-consumer customers.

The company’s sourcing philosophy centers on building long-term, sustainable partnerships with coffee producers. Goshen Coffee emphasizes paying above fair trade pricing, a practice they describe as a cultivated trade approach intended to ensure economic viability for farmers. By maintaining these direct relationships, the company aims to secure high-quality lots, such as Pink Bourbon or Yirgacheffe selections, while fostering transparency in the supply chain.

Beyond roasting, Goshen Coffee has established a notable presence in the competitive coffee circuit. Members of their team have participated in U.S. Roasters and Cup Tasters qualifying competitions, with staff members serving on the U.S. Coffee Roasters Guild Executive Council and the International Coffee Roasters Guild Leadership Council. These involvements have allowed the company to contribute to the broader coffee community by organizing and judging industry competitions, which in turn informs their internal quality control and roasting standards.

Quality control at Goshen is rigorous, involving color readings after cooling and systematic cupping sessions to evaluate the final product. This technical rigor is balanced by a commitment to accessibility, as the company continues to expand its wholesale operations and retail footprint. By integrating competitive-level roasting expertise with a focus on energy efficiency and ethical sourcing, Goshen Coffee has positioned itself as a significant player in the Midwest specialty coffee scene.