Seven Coffee Roasters

Overview

Founded in 2006 by Sean Lee in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood, Seven Coffee Roasters takes its name from the Japanese word 'Nana' — the nickname of Lee's Hawaiian grandmother, which also means 'seven.' Lee built the wholesale business under the moniker 'The Small Roaster for Small Businesses' and in 2012 opened a market and cafe in a century-old historic landmark in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood.

Known for

• Hawaiian-rooted founder operating in Starbucks' home city
• Wholesale-first model serving independent Seattle cafes
• 20+ years roasting in Seattle
• Specialty Coffee Association and Kona Coffee Council member
• Seattle Made and EnviroStars certified, Carbonfund.org offsets

Why it matters

Holding ground in Seattle — possibly the most competitive specialty coffee market in America — for two decades on a strategy of low-fuss quality, small-business-friendly wholesale pricing, and Hawaiian hospitality rather than third-wave aesthetics.

Production

roastery location

Seattle, Washington (Greenwood neighborhood, since 2006)

Café

This roaster operates a café.

Sources

• https://sevencoffeeroasters.com/pages/about-us
• https://mtpak.coffee/2021/12/seven-coffee-roaster-of-the-week/