Coffee Roasting Legends

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, Bill sits down with Hrag Kalebjian — third-generation roaster and co-owner of the legendary Henry’s House of Coffee in San Francisco. This is one of the most inspiring roaster stories you’ll hear all year. Hrag shares how his family’s roasting began in a small bakery in Lebanon, where his grandfather taught roasting by timing first and second crack with a simple song. After immigrating to the U.S. during the Lebanese Civil War, Hrag’s father bought a small European goods store called House of Coffee and transformed it into the beloved roastery it is today. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🔥 How a multi-generational family roastery survived major cultural and neighborhood shifts 🔥 Why Hrag left a successful corporate career after a single performance review moment 🔥 The reason Henry’s leans into smooth, classic dark roasts (and why their customers love it) 🔥 How listening to community needs helped Henry’s grow through demographic changes 🔥 What every new roaster must define before buying a machine or building a brand 🔥 Why Henry’s has roasted on San Franciscan machines for nearly 40 years — only two roasters in four decades This episode is packed with insight on roasting philosophy, small-business survival, honoring heritage, and building a coffee brand that lasts. A must-listen for roasters, café owners, and anyone passionate about coffee craftsmanship.

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Mike Arquinis, co-owner of Mostra Coffee, the acclaimed San Diego roastery honored as Roast Magazine's 2020 Micro Roaster of the Year. Mike shares his inspiring journey from culinary arts to coffee roasting, highlighting how his team leverages their unique backgrounds to craft award-winning coffees that uplift farmers in the Philippines. Together, we discuss the importance of vision, trust, and community in building a successful coffee brand. Mike also reflects on navigating the challenges of the pandemic and the innovative strategies that helped Mostra thrive. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with passion, resilience, and the artistry of coffee roasting.

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Henrik, the passionate owner of O Coffee in Glendale, California. Together, we explore his journey from being a tea enthusiast to establishing a community-focused roastery that celebrates the intersection of coffee, art, and culture. Henrik shares insights on the challenges and joys of roasting on his San Franciscan SF6, emphasizing the importance of creativity and connection within the coffee community. We delve into the unique events he hosts, from jazz nights to coffee workshops, showcasing how he fosters a welcoming space for local artists and coffee lovers alike. Join us for an inspiring conversation about pursuing your passion and the transformative power of coffee in building community.

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Luke Waite, founder of Pomolo Coffee Consulting, to discuss his innovative framework, the Core 7, designed to help coffee roasters build sustainable and profitable businesses. Luke shares his journey from a coffee enthusiast to a consultant specializing in operational efficiency, focusing on the essential elements that every roastery must manage—sales, product quality, cash flow, and team dynamics. We explore how his upcoming book, "The Owner's Manual: A Guide to Sustaining a Coffee Roaster," offers actionable insights for roasters at any stage of their journey. Join us as we delve into the challenges and solutions within the coffee industry, emphasizing the importance of structure and community for success.

From the bright lights of the music stage to the warm glow of a roastery, Matt King’s journey is a masterclass in following your passion — and building a business from the ground up. In this episode of the Coffee Roasting Legends Podcast, Matt — founder of Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee in Sylva, North Carolina — shares how mentorship, grit, and gratitude shaped his transition from touring musician to specialty coffee roaster. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your coffee business, Matt’s story will inspire you to take your next step with confidence.

What does it take to go from roasting lab samples to winning the U.S. Roasting Championship? In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, Bill sits down with Eduardo Choza, the 2024 U.S. Roasting Champion, to hear the full arc of his story—from learning the craft on a San Franciscan SF1 to mentoring the next generation of champions. Eduardo shares what it means to roast with intention, how he bounced back from early setbacks, and why community and humility have fueled his journey.

In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, I sit down with Marishon and Finch Clark of Freebird & Co. to explore their inspiring journey from corporate America to launching a purpose-driven coffee business. The Clarks share how their passion for creating a values-based legacy led them to the world of specialty coffee. We discuss their transition from HR professionals to coffee roasters, the challenges they faced in setting up their roastery, and the profound impact of community engagement. Discover how their operation, centered around their beloved roaster "Goldie," blends art and science to create exceptional coffee experiences while supporting mental health initiatives. Join us to hear how Freebird & Co. is transforming lives one cup at a time.

In a special twist on our usual format, this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends doesn’t feature a seasoned expert reflecting on decades in the industry. Instead, we meet Frank from Marco Island Coffee Roasters—a passionate newcomer standing at the starting line, looking forward. Host Bill Kennedy explores Frank’s early experiences, including his and his wife Morgan’s vision for building a community-focused coffee space in Florida, and their hands-on training with U.S. Roasting Champion Mark Michelson. From dialing in roast consistency to preparing for opening day, it’s an honest look at what it takes to begin a roasting journey with quality, humility, and heart.

Mark Michaelson's journey in the coffee industry, from his beginnings as a pastor to becoming the 2017 US Roaster Champion and Director of Education at San Franciscan Roaster Company. Mark shared his expertise on coffee roasting techniques, teaching methods, and the importance of balancing technical skills with sensory engagement, while also discussing his involvement in training new coffee entrepreneurs.

San Franciscan Roaster's Bill Kennedy sat down recently for a talk with Natalie Van Dusen owner of Treeline Coffee Roasters in Montana. When Natalie entered the coffee industry, she noticed the landscape was still heavily male-dominated—especially in roasting. But she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she leaned into community, built strong networks, and made sure she invested in tools that could stand up to the demands of a growing operation.