Roastery Of Cave Creek

The Roastery of Cave Creek, commonly referred to as ROC², was founded in 1997 by David Anderson in the small mining town of Cave Creek, Arizona. The company’s origins are tied to the Cave Creek Coffee Company, a retail establishment known locally as C4, which Anderson opened after relocating to the area in 1996. C4 quickly gained a reputation as a community hub, featuring a wine bar and a music venue, but Anderson’s primary interest remained in controlling the quality and freshness of the coffee served, leading him to begin roasting his own beans on a small three-kilo Dietrich roaster.

As the popularity of his house blends—such as the Black & Tan, Cowboy, and Cowgirl—grew, other local businesses began requesting his coffee. In 2007, Anderson sold the retail and real estate components of C4 to focus exclusively on the wholesale roasting business. This transition allowed the company to scale its operations significantly, eventually establishing a large-scale roasting facility in Cave Creek that serves a wide array of Arizona’s culinary establishments, including notable restaurants and resorts.

Operationally, the company emphasizes a balance of art and science in its roasting process. The roastery is known for its methodical approach to cupping and roasting, aiming to identify the specific temperature profiles that reveal the nuanced characteristics of each coffee. This commitment to quality is reflected in the company’s internal motto, "Don’t Compromise," which is prominently displayed within their production facility.

By 2017, the company marked its 20th anniversary by expanding its roasting capacity by nearly 40%, aiming for an annual production volume exceeding 850,000 pounds. This growth has been supported by a diverse portfolio of offerings, which includes more than 20 proprietary blends and various single-origin coffees. The company also provides private and white-label roasting services for other businesses, further cementing its role as a major supplier in the Arizona coffee market.

Sourcing philosophy at ROC² centers on the procurement of estate-grown and certified organic coffees. The company highlights a commitment to direct-sourcing, which involves traveling to coffee-producing regions to establish relationships and select beans. This practice is presented as a core component of their mission to provide high-quality, fresh coffee to the local market while maintaining ethical standards in their supply chain.

Today, the Roastery of Cave Creek remains a family-operated business, led by David and Alison Anderson. The facility itself is noted for its design and cleanliness, serving as both a production hub and a testament to the company's long-term presence in the Arizona coffee industry. Through its evolution from a small shop roaster to a large-scale wholesale provider, the company has maintained its focus on regional distribution and consistent roasting standards.