Mountaineer Roasting Company

Mountaineer Roasting Company was founded in 2017, originating on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The company initially established itself as a wholesale roaster, supplying coffee to various cafes throughout the region. As demand for their product grew, the business expanded beyond its campus roots, leading to the construction of a dedicated standalone roastery and cafe facility. In February 2021, the company opened this new location at 1053 Maple Drive in Morgantown, marking a significant milestone in its operational growth.

The company's development was notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of its previous Evansdale Crossing location in March 2020. Under the leadership of owner and head roaster Rusty Isaacs, the company navigated a lengthy construction and transition period before successfully launching its current Maple Drive site. This new space allowed the roaster to expand its service offerings, introducing a food menu that features locally sourced ingredients, such as bread from the Phoenix Bakery, alongside their coffee service.

Mountaineer Roasting Company maintains a sourcing philosophy centered on quality and regional representation. Their coffee catalog includes beans sourced from diverse origins, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, with specific regional selections such as Carmo de Minas, Cauca, and Sidama. The roastery processes these beans using various methods, including washed and natural processing, to highlight the distinct characteristics of each origin.

Beyond its standard offerings, the company engages in collaborative projects to connect with the local community. A documented example is their partnership with local media figures Tony Caridi, Brad Howe, and Hoppy Kercheval to develop a signature blend. This specific product, marketed as a collaboration with '3 Guys Before The Game,' utilizes a blend of washed Colombian and Guatemalan coffees, characterized by notes of chocolate and caramel, intended to serve as a balanced daily option for consumers.

The roastery emphasizes a commitment to the customer experience, aiming to provide an inviting atmosphere at its Morgantown location. By integrating food service—ranging from breakfast sandwiches to charcuterie—with their roasting operations, the company seeks to elevate the standard of local coffee service. This focus on quality extends to their operational practices, where they prioritize consistency in their roasting profiles to maintain the standards expected of a specialty coffee provider.

It is important to distinguish Mountaineer Roasting Company from other entities with similar names, such as Mountaineer Coffee, which is a separate business based in Brooksville, Florida. While both companies share a thematic connection to the 'Mountaineer' moniker, they operate independently with distinct histories, ownership, and geographic footprints. Mountaineer Roasting Company remains a distinct entity focused on the Appalachian specialty coffee market, maintaining its operations in West Virginia as a producer and supplier of roasted coffee.