Hubbard & Cravens

Founded in 1991 by Rick Hubbard, Marcie Hubbard, and Jerry Cravens, Hubbard & Cravens emerged during a period when specialty coffee was still gaining traction in the United States. Inspired by the West Coast model of high-quality roasting, the founders sought to bring a similar focus on premium, whole-bean arabica coffee to Indianapolis. The company has since grown into a significant regional roaster, operating retail locations while maintaining a substantial wholesale business that supplies coffee to restaurants, hotels, and private-label clients across the country.

The company’s sourcing philosophy is built upon decades of international travel and the cultivation of direct relationships with coffee producers. The founders and their sourcing team, including experienced importers, frequently visit coffee-producing regions in Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. By working directly with family-owned estates and cooperatives, the company aims to maintain traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain, ensuring that the human element behind each cup is recognized.

In practice, Hubbard & Cravens emphasizes small-batch roasting to ensure quality control and freshness. Their product range includes a variety of single-origin coffees and hand-crafted blends. The company has maintained long-term partnerships with specific producers, such as the Herbazu farm in Costa Rica, which allows them to secure consistent access to specific crops. This focus on relationship-based sourcing is intended to support sustainability and quality at the farm level.

Beyond its roasting operations, the company has integrated itself into the local Indianapolis community by partnering with other regional food and beverage producers. Their retail presence has evolved over the years, serving as a venue for showcasing their coffee through various brewing methods, including pour-overs and press pots, as well as cold brew offerings. These cafes serve as a direct interface between the roaster and the consumer, emphasizing the company's commitment to education and product quality.

While the company maintains a focus on specialty coffee, its scale of operations is notable, producing millions of pounds of coffee annually. This volume is largely driven by their extensive wholesale and private-label services, which cater to large-scale institutional clients. Despite this scale, the company maintains that its core mission remains the pursuit of the finest available beans, balancing the demands of a large-scale operation with the artisanal standards established at its founding.

The company’s history reflects the broader evolution of the American specialty coffee industry, moving from a niche market to a more established sector. By prioritizing direct connections with farmers and maintaining a consistent roasting philosophy, Hubbard & Cravens has sustained its position in the industry for over three decades. Today, the company continues to operate from its Indianapolis headquarters, focusing on the intersection of global sourcing and local service.