One Line Coffee

One Line Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The company was established in 2003 by Mark and Dave Forman, beginning as a coffeehouse in a historic farmhouse near Granville, Ohio. In 2006, the business expanded its operations to include in-house roasting, and in 2013, Stacey Forman Donnelly joined the leadership team to oversee finance and organizational growth as the company expanded its retail footprint across the Columbus area.

The company’s operational philosophy centers on the belief that the primary drivers of coffee quality are the decisions made at the farm level, including variety selection, cultivation techniques, harvesting standards, and processing methods. Rather than claiming credit for the final flavor profile, the roastery views its role as identifying the inherent attributes of a specific lot and developing a roast profile that accentuates those characteristics, focusing on clarity and sweetness.

To achieve this, One Line Coffee employs a technical approach to production. Every coffee purchased undergoes an extensive profiling process, which includes 10 to 15 initial test roasts. During this phase, the team measures and tracks variables such as bean density and moisture activity, culminating in a final cupping session to establish tasting notes before the product is released for sale. Their roastery has maintained organic certification through the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) since 2014.

Sourcing is a cornerstone of the company’s business model, characterized by a commitment to direct relationships with producers. The team frequently travels to origin countries—including Ethiopia, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, and Costa Rica—to engage directly with smallholder farmers and cooperatives. A documented example of this engagement is their work with the Hafi Washing Station in Burundi, where they have supported local community projects, such as a corn milling initiative, alongside their green coffee purchases.

Transparency and sustainability are integrated into their procurement strategy. The company emphasizes the importance of supporting sustainable price points for farmers and maintaining long-term partnerships. By focusing on small-lot coffees and specific origins, such as their work with Esmérita Vásquez Ramírez’s La Esperanza farm in Peru, they aim to provide consumers with a clear connection between the producer's labor and the final cup.

Beyond its retail presence, One Line Coffee operates a wholesale division that provides consulting and supply services to restaurants, bakeries, and other coffeehouses. Leveraging the experience of their staff, the company offers support in areas ranging from barista training and equipment management to business operations, aiming to assist wholesale partners in developing their own coffee programs.

Today, the company remains rooted in Ohio, operating multiple retail locations while continuing to manage its roasting and distribution operations. Their ongoing efforts in sourcing, such as their 2024 engagement with producers in Ethiopia, reflect a continued focus on maintaining direct links to the birthplace of Arabica coffee and supporting the communities within their supply chain.