JBC Coffee Roasters

JBC Coffee Roasters, legally registered as Johnson Brothers Coffee Roasters, Inc., is a family-owned specialty coffee company based in Madison, Wisconsin. The company was founded by Michael Johnson, who began his career in the coffee industry in 1994 by operating a coffee cart at the Dane County Farmer’s Market and the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. To meet the requirements for selling at the local farmer's market, Johnson began roasting his own beans, a practice that eventually evolved into the full-scale roasting operation known today as JBC Coffee Roasters, which he co-owns with Laura Salinger Johnson.

The company’s operational philosophy is built on three core pillars: unparalleled quality, a human-centric supply chain, and environmental and financial sustainability. JBC maintains a rigorous quality control standard, employing three Q Graders on staff and sourcing exclusively coffees that score 85 points or higher on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. This focus on high-scoring, specialty-grade coffee has led to significant industry recognition, including being named one of the best coffee roasters in the United States by Forbes and Gear Patrol.

JBC is perhaps best known for its extensive track record in professional coffee evaluations and competitions. The roaster has documented over 340 coffees rated 90 points or higher by Coffee Review. In 2023, the company achieved a notable milestone when its Wilton Benitez Pink Bourbon offering received a 98-point score from Coffee Review, tying for the highest score awarded that year. Additionally, the company is a five-time winner of the Good Food Awards, which recognize roasters for both technical excellence and social responsibility.

Sourcing at JBC is characterized by a commitment to transparency and direct relationships. The company works both directly with coffee producers and through specialized brokers who align with their sustainability goals. By prioritizing the "human story" behind the bean, JBC aims to provide a seed-to-cup experience that honors the labor and expertise of the farmers involved in the supply chain. This approach is intended to ensure that the producer's narrative remains intact from the origin to the final consumer.

In practice, JBC operates as an online retailer and wholesale provider, offering a range of single-origin coffees, espresso blends, and subscription services. While the company maintains a strong digital presence, its roots remain firmly in the Midwest, where it continues to emphasize grassroots education and customer service. The company’s roasting facility in Madison serves as the hub for its quality-driven production, where they focus on highlighting the unique characteristics of each origin.

Today, JBC stands as a prominent example of a quality-focused, independent roaster that has successfully leveraged high-scoring competition coffee to build a national reputation. By balancing technical precision—evidenced by their Q Grader staff and high review scores—with a stated commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing, the company continues to influence the specialty coffee market in the United States.