Variety Coffee Roasters

Variety Coffee Roasters was established in 2008 by founder Gavin Compton in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. The company’s name and original signage were inherited from the previous tenant of its first location on Graham Avenue, a corner store known as Cho's Variety. This initial shop was among the early wave of establishments to introduce third-wave specialty coffee culture to the Brooklyn area, setting a precedent for the company's long-term growth in the New York City market.

For the first several years of operation, the company focused on retail service before expanding into production. In 2014, Variety established its own roasting facility in the back of its Bushwick cafe located at 146 Wyckoff Avenue. This move marked a significant milestone, as Variety became one of the first major specialty coffee operators to establish a dedicated roasting presence in the Bushwick neighborhood, allowing the company to exert greater control over its quality and supply chain.

As the company grew, it transitioned its roasting operations to a standalone facility in East Williamsburg in 2019 to accommodate increased demand. This expansion supported the brand's steady growth across New York City, with locations eventually spanning Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. By 2026, the company had reached a milestone of ten retail locations, including a notable shop in the landmark Astral building in Greenpoint.

The company’s sourcing philosophy centers on freshness and seasonality. Variety maintains a rotating menu that reflects the harvest cycles of various coffee-growing regions, primarily sourcing beans from Central and South America, as well as Ethiopia. The roastery produces a range of roast profiles, from light-medium to medium and dark, aiming to provide an approachable experience for both casual drinkers and serious coffee enthusiasts.

In practice, Variety functions as both a manufacturer and a hospitality provider. The company is known for its retro-modern aesthetic and functional cafe spaces, which are frequently utilized as work-friendly environments. Beyond its own retail footprint, the company operates as a wholesale roaster, supplying coffee to various outlets and maintaining a subscription service for home consumers.

Beyond Variety Coffee Roasters, Gavin Compton’s hospitality portfolio includes other New York establishments such as Blue Collar, Three Decker Diner, and Miller's Tavern. Despite this broader business activity, Variety remains the primary vehicle for his coffee operations. The company continues to operate as a self-owned entity, maintaining a focus on consistent, high-volume specialty coffee service within the competitive New York City landscape.