PERC Coffee
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PERC Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Savannah, Georgia, known for its approachable, vibrant brand identity and commitment to high-quality, seasonal sourcing. Founded in 2010, the company has grown from a one-person bicycle delivery operation into a multi-location roastery and retailer that emphasizes inclusivity and the pursuit of natural sweetness in its roast profiles.
PERC Coffee, originally established as Panther’s Eye Roasting Company in 2010, was founded by Philip Brown in Savannah, Georgia. Brown, a former musician and barista with nearly a decade of experience in Athens, Georgia, began the operation in a 350-square-foot rented space within the Starland Dairy. In its earliest iteration, the company was a solo venture where Brown roasted coffee and delivered bags by bicycle to local customers and farmers' markets.
The company’s name was eventually shortened to the acronym PERC to better reflect its identity as it expanded. Following its humble beginnings in a former dairy cooler, the roastery has undergone multiple expansions, moving into larger facilities and establishing a significant presence in both Savannah and Atlanta. Today, the company operates multiple retail locations and maintains a robust wholesale business, supplying coffee to various restaurants, hotels, and grocery retailers.
PERC’s growth has been supported by a core team of partners, including Alan Fischer, Amber Foreman, Taylor Kimball, and Andrew Kapral. The company describes its internal culture as the 'Wrecking Crew,' a collaborative group focused on maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment. This philosophy extends to their retail spaces, which are designed to be bright and approachable, aiming to demystify specialty coffee for a broad audience.
Sourcing at PERC is centered on building long-term relationships with producers. The company emphasizes seasonal purchasing, selecting coffees based on their peak freshness and expressive qualities. Their procurement process involves extensive sensory analysis, including cupping numerous samples to ensure that the selected green coffee aligns with their standards for sweetness, acidity, and varietal character.
In the roastery, the company utilizes data-driven methods and sensory analysis to craft roast profiles. The stated goal of their roasting process is to maximize the inherent sweetness and distinct character of each origin. This technical approach is balanced by a brand identity that prioritizes fun, creativity, and hospitality, moving away from the often-exclusive tone found in some segments of the specialty coffee industry.
Over the years, PERC has become a fixture in the Savannah coffee scene, with its roasting operations and cafes frequently highlighted in industry media. The company has successfully scaled from a small, local startup to an organization with over 100 employees, while maintaining its original mission of sharing high-quality coffee through a lens of accessibility and community engagement.