Tandem Coffee Roasters

Tandem Coffee Roasters was established in 2012 in Portland, Maine, by co-founders Will and Kathleen Pratt. Before launching the company, the Pratts gained extensive experience in the coffee industry through roles in Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, San Francisco, and New York. Upon opening, the business quickly grew from a local startup into a significant player in the Maine craft coffee scene, reporting $1.5 million in revenue by 2015 with a team of 19 full-time employees.

The company operates as both a wholesale roaster and a retail entity, maintaining multiple locations in Portland. Its business model integrates a bakery component alongside its coffee service, emphasizing a "coffee shop and bakery" identity that has become a staple of the local community. The roastery is known for its small-batch approach, which allows for precise control over the development of its single-origin offerings and seasonal blends.

Sourcing is a central pillar of Tandem’s operations, with a stated mission to build lasting partnerships with producers. The company emphasizes transparency and direct sourcing, featuring beans from diverse origins such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ecuador. By bridging the gap between producers and consumers, Tandem aims to highlight the specific labor and unique characteristics of the coffees they procure, ranging from washed-process heirloom varieties to honey-processed lots.

Beyond production, Tandem has demonstrated a commitment to operational sustainability and social responsibility. In 2019, the company implemented a pricing strategy designed to reduce waste, lowering the cost of drinks while introducing a fee for to-go cups to encourage the use of reusable vessels. This initiative followed internal data analysis showing that despite offering discounts for personal cups, the adoption rate among customers remained low, prompting a more direct approach to environmental impact.

The company’s culture is characterized by long-term staff retention and a focus on professional development. For instance, the company has publicly recognized the decade-long contributions of key staff members who transitioned from barista roles to management positions, overseeing critical areas like wholesale and e-commerce. This emphasis on internal growth and community engagement is a hallmark of their operational philosophy.

Today, Tandem Coffee Roasters maintains a strong reputation within the specialty coffee industry, consistently ranking highly in consumer-facing reviews and industry metrics. Their ongoing work continues to focus on the intersection of craft roasting, ethical sourcing, and the maintenance of a community-focused retail environment, solidifying their position as a prominent roaster in the United States.