Peregrine Espresso

Peregrine Espresso was established in 2008 by Ryan and Jill Jensen, who sought to bring a high standard of specialty coffee and service to the Washington, D.C. market. The company’s flagship location opened on Capitol Hill in a space formerly occupied by Murky Coffee. Ryan Jensen, a former manager at that location, took over the site to launch the brand, which has since expanded to include multiple locations, such as those at Eastern Market and Union Market. The business is built on a foundation of professional development, emphasizing staff training and participation in regional and national barista and brewers cup competitions.

For the first nine years of its operation, Peregrine Espresso functioned primarily as a multi-roaster cafe, relying heavily on beans sourced from Counter Culture Coffee. This relationship was rooted in Ryan Jensen’s professional history, as he had previously worked for the North Carolina-based roaster. During this period, the company solidified its reputation for technical precision, particularly in espresso preparation and pour-over service, earning recognition as a destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts in the District.

In 2017, the Jensens transitioned to vertical integration by launching their own roasting company, Small Planes Coffee. This move allowed the business to exert greater control over its supply chain and flavor profiles. The roasting facility, located in Northeast Washington near the U.S. National Arboretum, was equipped with a 15-kilo Loring Falcon roaster. While Peregrine Espresso and Small Planes Coffee operate as two distinct, independent limited liability companies, they function in tandem, with Small Planes providing the seasonal single-origin beans and blends served across all Peregrine retail outlets.

The sourcing and roasting philosophy of the operation is centered on quality and consistency. Under the guidance of head roaster Evan Howe, who underwent specialized training at Coffee Lab International, the company focuses on developing profiles that highlight the characteristics of their rotating single-origin offerings. This transition to in-house roasting marked a significant evolution for the brand, moving it from a retail-focused entity to a vertically integrated coffee business.

Beyond the technical aspects of coffee production, Peregrine Espresso is noted for its internal culture and labor practices. The company has prioritized a transparent, education-driven wage structure for its employees, aiming to foster long-term professional growth for its baristas. This focus on staff retention and expertise is a core component of their business model, intended to ensure that the quality of service remains consistent with the quality of the coffee served.

Today, the company remains a family-run enterprise, with the founders balancing the management of their retail locations and the roasting facility alongside their personal lives. The brand continues to be a fixture in the D.C. coffee scene, known for its unpretentious atmosphere and its dedication to the craft of specialty coffee. By maintaining a focus on education and sustainability, Peregrine Espresso has sustained its influence in the local market for over 15 years.