Red Cedar Coffee Co.

Red Cedar Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee roasting business headquartered in Berea, Ohio. Founded in 2005 by Larry Denton and his family, the company has operated as a small-scale, family-owned enterprise for two decades. The business functions as both a roastery and a retail coffee bar, serving local customers while also maintaining an online platform for national distribution and wholesale partnerships. The company is registered as a limited liability company in Ohio and operates from a single facility on West Bagley Road, which serves as the hub for its roasting, retail, and administrative operations.

The company’s operational philosophy centers on the procurement of specialty-grade Arabica coffee. Their sourcing strategy includes a mix of single-origin offerings, direct trade relationships, and organic-certified coffees. By focusing on these categories, the roaster aims to highlight the distinct characteristics of beans from various global growing regions. The company has historically documented its engagement with specific producers, such as the La Lia Finca Dragon in Costa Rica, to provide transparency regarding the origin and quality of its inventory.

A notable aspect of Red Cedar Coffee Co.’s product line is its strict adherence to the Swiss Water Process for all decaffeinated offerings. The company emphasizes that it avoids chemical-based decaffeination methods, opting instead for this water-based process, which is conducted in British Columbia, Canada, prior to the green coffee reaching the Ohio roastery. This commitment to specific processing standards is a core component of their marketing and product education for consumers.

As a roaster, the company describes its approach as a balance between technical science and artisan craft. Because green coffee is a seasonal agricultural product that varies from year to year, the roastery does not rely on static roasting recipes. Instead, the staff adjusts roasting parameters based on the specific attributes of each incoming lot. This methodology aligns with broader industry standards that recognize roasting as the primary transformative step in developing the aromatic and flavor compounds of the coffee seed.

The business maintains a modest footprint, with estimates suggesting a small team of approximately five employees. Despite its size, the company has integrated itself into the local Berea community through its retail shop and has utilized media appearances to educate the public on coffee sourcing and the roasting process. Their business model is diversified, encompassing retail sales, wholesale accounts for cafes and restaurants, and the provision of business gifts and fundraising opportunities.

Throughout its history, Red Cedar Coffee Co. has remained a privately held entity. The company’s longevity in the specialty coffee sector is marked by its consistent focus on the "art of roasting" and its efforts to provide educational resources to its customers regarding brewing methods and coffee origins. Today, the company continues to operate from its Berea location, maintaining its original mission of providing a wide variety of unique, specialty-grade coffees to both local and online markets.