Lineage Coffee Roasting

Lineage Coffee Roasting was established in January 2012 by founders Jarrett and Justine Johnson in Orlando, Florida. The company’s origins were humble, beginning with a retrofitted grill and an ice cream motor used to power a small 3-kilogram roaster. This early period was defined by experimentation and a steep learning curve, as the founders sought to master the science of roasting through trial and error before debuting at the Audubon Park Farmer’s Market in 2013. Ryan Wilcox joined the team later that year, eventually taking on a leadership role in the company's wholesale operations.

The company’s philosophy centers on the belief that coffee is a narrative of its origin, requiring careful handling from the farm to the final brew. By 2015, Lineage began traveling extensively to regions such as Guatemala and Colombia to establish direct-trade relationships, later expanding these efforts into Kenya and Ethiopia. This sourcing strategy is designed to ensure that the company can maintain high standards for quality while fostering transparent, sustainable connections with the producers who grow their coffee.

Quality control is a cornerstone of the Lineage operation. The team employs a rigorous process of cupping and dialing in every coffee they serve, ensuring that the specific flavor profiles of each small lot are accurately represented. This commitment to precision extends beyond the roastery; the company operates multiple café locations in Orlando, which serve as controlled environments where the team can apply their quality-focused theories directly to the consumer experience.

Education is a vital component of the company's business model. Through the 'Lineage Academy,' the roaster offers classes and resources designed to elevate the skills of both home enthusiasts and professional baristas. This focus on education is mirrored in their wholesale program, which partners with other cafes to share their technical knowledge and sourcing standards, aiming to improve the overall quality of coffee service in their network.

While the company has grown significantly since its inception, it maintains a reputation for being highly specialized yet approachable. The founders have emphasized that their goal is to be a world-class roaster while simultaneously providing a meaningful workplace for their staff and a positive impact on the communities they serve. This balance of technical ambition and community engagement has helped define their identity in the specialty coffee landscape.

It is important to distinguish this Orlando-based entity from other businesses sharing similar names, such as the Lineage Coffee founded in 2012 in Nottingham Road, South Africa, by Craig Charity and Dom Marot. The Orlando-based Lineage Coffee Roasting remains a distinct operation, focused on its specific regional footprint and its own unique supply chain and roasting methodologies. Today, the company continues to operate its roasting facility and cafes, maintaining its original vision of meticulous, small-batch production.