Plowshares Coffee Roasters

Plowshares Coffee Roasters was established in 2008 in Hillburn, New York, entering the market during a period when high-quality, specialty-focused roasters were relatively scarce in the greater New York metropolitan area. Founded by Anthony Kurutz, the company initially operated as a wholesale-only business, focusing on building a reputation for consistency and technical precision in its roasting practices. This early phase allowed the company to refine its craft before expanding its footprint into the competitive New York City retail landscape.

The company’s transition into retail began in 2014 with the opening of its flagship cafe near Columbia University on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This location served as a critical touchpoint for the brand, allowing it to engage directly with consumers while maintaining its wholesale operations. The expansion continued in 2018 when the company relocated its roasting facility to a 3,500-square-foot space in West Harlem, which also functions as a cafe, quality control lab, and training center.

At the core of Plowshares' operations is a sourcing philosophy centered on direct relationships with coffee producers. The company sources green coffee from a wide range of origins, including Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Rwanda, and Peru. By maintaining these direct links, the roaster aims to ensure transparency and quality, allowing them to select unique lots that reflect specific regional profiles.

In practice, the roaster is recognized for its "third-wave" approach, which prioritizes clean, bright roast profiles designed to accentuate the inherent sweetness and clarity of the beans. This technical focus extends beyond the roasting drum; the company provides comprehensive support to its wholesale partners, including equipment sourcing, maintenance, and professional barista training, aiming to help clients develop high-caliber coffee programs.

The business model remains a hybrid of wholesale and retail, serving a diverse clientele that includes local coffee enthusiasts, restaurants, and offices. By operating its own cafes, such as the locations on Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, Plowshares maintains a direct feedback loop with the public, which informs its roasting and sourcing decisions. This dual-channel approach has been instrumental in its growth from a small wholesale outfit to a recognized name in the New York City specialty coffee scene.

Today, Plowshares stands as a boutique roaster that emphasizes the privilege of its position in the supply chain. The company maintains a commitment to humility and gratitude toward the producers and partners who entrust them with their coffee. As it moves into its second decade, the roaster continues to focus on building meaningful relationships and exploring new, unique coffees to showcase to its customer base.

Ultimately, Plowshares is defined by its dedication to the craft of roasting and its role as a community hub in Manhattan. Whether through its online subscription services or its physical cafe presence, the company remains focused on the intersection of quality, transparency, and connection, aiming to unlock the potential of every origin it roasts.