North Pole Coffee Roasting Company

Founded in June 1992, North Pole Coffee Roasting Company holds the distinction of being the first full-service coffee roaster and retailer in the Interior of Alaska. The company is a family-owned business currently led by owner and operator Thomas S. Bartels. For over three decades, the roaster has established itself as a fixture in the Alaskan coffee market, operating out of Fairbanks with a commitment to serving both local residents and a broader consumer base.

The company’s operational philosophy centers on the production of small-batch coffee to ensure freshness. Rather than maintaining long-term storage of roasted inventory, the roastery processes beans based on daily and weekly demand cycles. Their sourcing strategy emphasizes the use of Grade 1 specialty coffee beans imported from various origins, which are then roasted in Alaska to create a diverse catalog ranging from single-origin offerings to signature blends and flavored coffees.

Beyond its retail presence, North Pole Coffee Roasting Company functions as a significant wholesale provider. The company offers a suite of services tailored to business clients, including equipment sales, maintenance, and professional barista training. Their distribution network is extensive, covering major Alaskan hubs such as Fairbanks, North Pole, Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, Juneau, and the Kenai Peninsula, supported by a logistics model that includes weekly delivery services.

Community engagement is a stated pillar of the company’s business model. The roastery actively participates in local initiatives and maintains a public-facing presence through its cafe operations and community-focused programs. This commitment to the region is reflected in their branding, which highlights their status as an 'Alaskan Made' enterprise, a designation they emphasize in their marketing and operational identity.

The product range is broad, encompassing classic roasts, seasonal collections like the 'Northern Lights Collection,' and a variety of flavored coffees, such as their 'Arctic Blueberry' and 'St. Nickerdoodle.' In addition to coffee, the company supplies a wide array of beverage-related products, including syrups, sauces, alternative milks, and tea, positioning itself as a comprehensive supplier for cafes and businesses throughout the state.

Today, the company continues to operate from its facility at 1502 Minnie St. in Fairbanks. By maintaining a focus on both the technical aspects of specialty coffee roasting and the logistical demands of the Alaskan market, North Pole Coffee Roasting Company remains a primary distributor for the region, balancing its historical roots with modern wholesale and e-commerce capabilities.