Little Bear Coffee

Little Bear Coffee was established in 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by founder Jacob Fox. Operating under the guiding motto "Love People Use Coffee," the company has positioned itself as a central figure in the city's specialty coffee scene. The roastery is recognized for its commitment to sourcing fully traceable, specialty-grade coffee, maintaining direct relationships with producers in regions such as India and Colombia to ensure ethical standards and quality control.

The company operates multiple locations throughout Albuquerque, each designed to serve as an inclusive community space. These include the original cafe in the Uptown neighborhood, a location in the Sawmill Market, a bright, airy space at Civic Plaza, and a notable site in the Nob Hill district. The Nob Hill location is housed in a converted vintage garage on historic Route 66 and is particularly recognized for its dual-purpose design, functioning as a coffee shop by day and transitioning into a natural wine and cocktail bar, known as LBPM, in the evenings.

Little Bear Coffee’s operational philosophy centers on accessibility and community engagement. By striving to be a "cool kids club that everyone can be a part of," the brand aims to demystify specialty coffee for the general public. This educational approach is reflected in their digital presence, where they publish resources on topics such as coffee processing methods—including natural processing and co-fermentation—and the technical nuances of coffee competitions like the U.S. Brewers Cup and the U.S. National Barista Competition.

Beyond its retail footprint, the company is active in the broader coffee industry, participating in national events and contributing to the growth of New Mexico’s reputation as a specialty coffee hub. The roastery has received coverage from industry-focused media outlets like Sprudge, which highlighted the company's build-outs and its role in fostering an inclusive environment within the local market.

Sourcing remains a cornerstone of the Little Bear business model. The company emphasizes the importance of personal friendships with the farmers they feature, viewing these relationships as essential to their supply chain transparency. This focus on the producer-roaster connection is intended to ensure that the coffee served in their cafes is not only high-quality but also ethically procured, reflecting the company's stated values of sustainability and social responsibility.

As of its recent operations, Little Bear Coffee continues to evolve its menu and service offerings, including seasonal rotations and collaborations. The company remains a prominent example of an independent roaster that balances technical coffee expertise with a community-first approach, aiming to make high-end coffee culture approachable for the residents of Albuquerque and beyond.