Mountain Bird Coffee

Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea Co. is an independent coffee roasting and wholesale manufacturing company headquartered in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The business is owned and operated by Steve and Rhonda Gassaway, who have been active in the coffee industry for over 15 years. The company operates as a producer of coffee, tea, syrups, and sauces, serving both individual consumers through its online shop and wholesale partners, such as local bakeries and cafes, which it has supported since 2017.

The company’s operational philosophy is built upon three core pillars: approachability, sustainability, and traceability. In practice, this means the roastery aims to provide a diverse range of flavor profiles that cater to both casual drinkers and experienced coffee enthusiasts. By maintaining a focus on 'farm-to-cup' transparency, the owners emphasize the importance of understanding the origin of their beans and the labor involved in their production.

Sourcing is a central component of the company's identity. Mountain Bird Coffee prioritizes beans from farms that utilize sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. The company frequently highlights its use of Rainforest Alliance Certified green coffee beans and emphasizes that its master roaster engages in cupping at the origin to ensure that the specific characteristics of the harvest are preserved during the roasting process. Because crop availability fluctuates, the company notes that its specific farm sources may change seasonally.

In its roasting operations, the company utilizes high-efficiency equipment designed to minimize its carbon footprint. The production process includes nitrogen-flushed packaging to maintain freshness for the consumer. Beyond roasting, the company provides hands-on support to its wholesale clients, including staff training on espresso preparation and guidance on the maintenance of brewing equipment.

The company’s product catalog includes a variety of single-origin offerings and signature blends. For example, their single-origin selections have included beans from regions such as Costa Rica, sourced from cooperatives like La Gloxinia, and Ethiopia. Their roast profiles range from light-medium to dark, such as their 'Black Mountain' French roast, which features notes of baker’s chocolate and smoky overtones.

As a long-standing fixture in the Arkansas coffee scene, Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea Co. has positioned itself as a community-focused entity. The owners have expressed that their work is driven by a sense of responsibility to both the environment and the people involved in the coffee supply chain. By maintaining these direct connections and focusing on consistent, small-batch production, the company continues to operate as a regional roaster with a commitment to specialty coffee standards.