Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Handlebar Coffee Roasters was established in 2011 in Santa Barbara, California, by Aaron Olson and Kim Anderson. The founders transitioned into the coffee industry following their careers as professional cyclists, a background that heavily influences the company's operational ethos. Their experience in competitive sports instilled a focus on discipline and precision, which they applied to the technical aspects of coffee roasting and cafe management. Before launching their own brand, the founders underwent professional training at the American Coffee & Barista School in Portland, Oregon.

Initially, the company began as a small-scale operation, with the founders roasting their own beans rather than sourcing from established specialty roasters. This decision allowed them to maintain direct control over the flavor profiles and quality of their product. Their first retail presence was a small cafe located across from El Presidio State Historic Park in downtown Santa Barbara, which served as the foundation for their brand's growth within the local community.

In September 2017, the company expanded its footprint by opening a second location in the midtown area of Santa Barbara. This facility, housed in a historic building that formerly served as a Safeway market, features a 1961 Probat coffee roaster and a custom four-group Kees van der Westen Spirit espresso machine. This expansion allowed the company to scale its production while maintaining its identity as a micro-roaster focused on quality and consistency.

The company’s sourcing and roasting philosophy centers on highlighting the inherent characteristics of the coffee bean. Their roasting style is generally described as light, intended to showcase the specific flavor profiles associated with the bean's variety and point of origin. They offer a variety of single-origin coffees and a signature seasonal espresso blend known as the Gibraltar, which is a staple of their menu.

Beyond coffee production, Handlebar Coffee Roasters has integrated a food and pastry program into its cafe operations. The company emphasizes a community-focused approach, often collaborating with local suppliers and maintaining a presence in the Santa Barbara food scene. Their business model includes both retail cafe service and an e-commerce platform that provides subscription services and shipping for their roasted coffee products.

Today, Handlebar Coffee Roasters operates two locations in Santa Barbara and remains a prominent fixture in the local specialty coffee market. The company continues to balance its roots in cycling culture with its commitment to the craft of roasting, maintaining a reputation for technical proficiency and a dedication to the specialty coffee experience.