Rising Star Coffee Roasters

Rising Star Coffee Roasters was established in 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio, by founder Kim Jenkins. The company began with a single roaster and cafe sharing the same physical space, built on the dual objectives of providing high-quality, locally roasted coffee to the community and fostering a positive impact on the global supply chain through fair pricing for farmers. In 2020, Jenkins retired and transferred ownership of the company to a group consisting of three employees and one investor, who have continued to operate under the original foundational principles.

The company’s operational model centers on what it terms "relationship coffee." This philosophy prioritizes long-term, direct partnerships with coffee producers who demonstrate diligence in quality and sustainability. By focusing on these relationships, the company aims to ensure that farmers receive equitable compensation while providing roasters with consistent access to high-quality lots. This sourcing strategy is intended to create a transparent supply chain that benefits both the producer and the end consumer.

Rising Star’s roasting operations have evolved significantly since its inception. While the company initially roasted in a small, integrated space, it eventually expanded into a dedicated roasting facility located in the former power plant of the Hildebrandt Provisions Company in Cleveland. The production team utilizes perforated drum roasters and employs data-logging software, known as Profiling Dynamics, to monitor and replicate roast profiles in real time, ensuring consistency across their product line.

Beyond its roasting operations, the company maintains a retail presence with several cafes across Northeast Ohio. These locations serve as community hubs, with the company stating a commitment to creating inclusive environments and fostering professional development among its staff. The business also maintains an active online store, offering subscriptions and shipping roasted-to-order coffee to customers throughout the United States.

In recent years, the company has navigated significant internal and public challenges regarding labor relations. In 2025 and early 2026, the organization experienced a period of labor unrest, including a high-profile dispute at its Lakewood location following reports of carbon monoxide exposure among staff. These events led to temporary cafe closures, third-party safety audits, and eventually, a successful vote by employees across the company’s six cafes and roastery to form a union.

Today, Rising Star Coffee Roasters continues to operate as a prominent specialty coffee entity in the Cleveland market. Its public-facing identity remains tied to its original mission of quality and relationship-based sourcing, even as it manages the complexities of a growing retail footprint and a newly unionized workforce. The company continues to highlight specific producer partnerships, such as its work with the El Obraje farm in Nariño, Colombia, as evidence of its ongoing commitment to sourcing innovation and resilience.