Publik Coffee Roasters

Publik Coffee Roasters was founded in 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah, by owner Missy Greis. The company’s name is derived from the Dutch word for 'community,' reflecting its foundational philosophy of using coffee as a medium to foster local gathering spaces. Since its inception, the brand has expanded its footprint across Salt Lake City, operating multiple café locations that serve as community hubs while maintaining a centralized roasting operation.

The company’s operational model is defined by a 'roast-to-order' approach, which is intended to minimize waste and ensure freshness for the consumer. Publik utilizes computerized roasting technology to maintain consistency across its small-batch production. This technical precision is paired with a sourcing strategy that emphasizes long-term partnerships with importers who work directly at the farm level, allowing the company to pay premiums that support producer livelihoods and quality-of-life improvements.

Environmental stewardship is a core pillar of the company’s identity. Publik’s roastery is powered by 65 on-site solar panels, making it one of the few coffee roasteries in the United States to operate with such a high degree of solar reliance. To further mitigate its environmental impact, the company installed a catalytic oxidizer on its Diedrich IR-12 production roaster, a system designed to filter out 96% of particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the roasting process.

Publik’s sourcing philosophy prioritizes transparency and the recognition of coffee producers. By sharing the backgrounds and stories of the farmers behind their beans, the company aims to connect the consumer to the origin. For example, their offerings have included coffees from the Nemba washing station in Kayanza, Burundi, where they highlight the specific processing methods—such as 12-hour dry fermentation and extended soaking—that contribute to the coffee's final cup profile.

The company’s aesthetic and brand identity were developed in collaboration with local design experts, emphasizing unique, functional gathering spaces. Their locations often feature adaptive reuse of existing buildings, such as their downtown café, which was formerly a print shop. This focus on local integration extends to their food menus, which frequently incorporate ingredients sourced from other local Utah businesses.

In 2022, Publik Coffee Roasters received recognition from industry media, including being named the best coffee roaster in Utah by Food & Wine. This accolade highlighted the company's success in balancing high-quality specialty coffee production with a business model that explicitly prioritizes 'planet over profit' and 'community over corporate' interests.

Today, Publik continues to operate as a prominent specialty roaster in the Intermountain West. By maintaining a focus on small-batch quality and investing in sustainable infrastructure, the company remains a documented example of how independent roasters can integrate environmental technology into their daily operations while maintaining a strong local community presence.