Ruby Coffee Roasters

Ruby Coffee Roasters was established in the fall of 2013 by Jared and Deanna Linzmeier, with initial roasting operations beginning in a garage in rural Portage County, Wisconsin, in early 2014. Jared Linzmeier brought significant industry experience to the venture, having previously worked in the West Coast specialty coffee scene, including an apprenticeship at Intelligentsia and roles in Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. The company name was chosen to honor Jared’s grandmother, serving as a personal symbol for the brand's focus on vibrant, expressive coffee profiles.

In 2015, the company transitioned from its garage origins to a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in Nelsonville, Wisconsin, which remains the central hub for roasting, quality control, and shipping. The business expanded its physical footprint in 2019 by opening a full-service café and restaurant in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Despite its small-town base, the company has achieved a significant national presence, supplying high-end beans to specialty cafes across the United States, from Miami to Seattle.

The company’s sourcing philosophy is built on direct relationships with producers, prioritizing traceability and sustainability. Ruby focuses on working with small, family-owned farms that often manage their own processing mills. This level of control allows producers to experiment with various fermentation and drying techniques, which the roaster believes is essential for preserving the unique flavor nuances of specific microclimates and harvests.

Ruby’s product catalog is characterized by a commitment to "colorful coffees," a slogan that reflects their goal of capturing vivid, seasonal flavor profiles. Their roast profiles generally lean toward light-medium and medium, designed to highlight the inherent characteristics of the origin rather than the roast itself. Their flagship blend, "Creamery," is specifically engineered for versatility, intended to perform consistently across various brewing methods, including espresso and drip.

Industry recognition for Ruby Coffee Roasters has been consistent, with the company frequently cited in national media and specialty coffee publications. They have been named the best coffee roaster in Wisconsin by Food & Wine and have received coverage in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Sprudge. These accolades often highlight the company's ability to maintain high-quality standards while operating as an independent, small-town business.

Beyond the product, the company emphasizes a business model centered on responsible practices that aim to create value for producers, employees, and consumers. By maintaining a lean operation in a small community, the founders have stated they are better able to invest in their supply chain and maintain the rigor of their sourcing programs. This approach has solidified their reputation as a roaster that bridges the gap between high-level specialty expertise and approachable, everyday coffee consumption.