Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea

Wesley Andrews Coffee and Tea originated in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company was founded by Jared Thompson and Johan Podlewski, who began roasting coffee as a hobby in 2014. After two years of development, they opened their flagship retail space in 2016, positioning the brand as a community-focused sanctuary designed to encourage customers to slow down and engage in conversation.

The company’s operational philosophy centered on direct-trade relationships and meticulous sourcing. Beyond their retail presence, Wesley Andrews functioned as a comprehensive coffee partner, offering wholesale services that included custom sourcing, flavor profiling, menu building, and equipment maintenance. Their sourcing model emphasized respectful partnerships with farmers and cooperatives, extending to a curated selection of teas sourced from partners in China.

In 2021, the company garnered attention for its updated packaging design, which was recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in their Coffee Design Awards. The branding, developed with designer Sam Nargan, utilized a minimalist orange and cream aesthetic inspired by the functional design principles of Dieter Rams. The packaging was specifically engineered to be informative, providing consumers with detailed narratives about the farmers who produced the coffee.

Throughout its tenure, Wesley Andrews was noted for a tightly edited, seasonal coffee lineup featuring diverse origins such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Panama, Brazil, and Mexico. They frequently worked with unique varietals and processing methods, including anaerobic and natural processes, to highlight specific flavor profiles. Their commitment to quality extended to the cafe experience, where they served coffee and tea with a focus on professional preparation standards.

As a business, Wesley Andrews sought to challenge the notion that coffee should be inexpensive, arguing that low prices often undervalue the labor required at every stage of the supply chain. This perspective informed their consulting work, where they helped other businesses implement quality control and best practices. Their approach to the industry was characterized by a blend of technical expertise and a desire to foster intentional, human-centric spaces.

While the company established a significant footprint in the Twin Cities coffee scene, recent documentation indicates that the physical retail location has closed. The brand has transitioned its operations, maintaining an online presence that continues to serve legacy wholesale and subscription customers, while providing educational resources and guides on coffee and tea preparation.