Café Kreyol, the 2023 Roast magazine Roaster of the Year in the macro category, has recently expanded into a new production facility in Manassas, Virginia. This state-of-the-art facility spans over 10,000 square feet and includes a production roastery equipped with a Loring S70 Peregrine roaster, packaging equipment, green coffee warehousing and storage, offices, a quality-control and cupping lab, and classrooms.
The decision to move into a larger facility was prompted by the company’s rapid growth following their Roaster of the Year win. Joseph Stazzone, President of Cafe Kreyol, mentioned that the business more than doubled in size within a year, necessitating the need for a larger production space to meet the increased demand.
One of the key features of the new facility is the cupping laboratory, which Cafe Kreyol plans to use for hosting Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) sanctioned classes and buying parties associated with the Cup of Excellence green coffee competition. This will provide opportunities for educational programming and further strengthen Cafe Kreyol’s commitment to quality and sustainability in the coffee industry.
Cafe Kreyol is known for its direct-trading program, where they establish long-term, equitable relationships with coffee producers and focus on high-end microlots. They have partnerships with producer groups in countries like Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a mission to alleviate poverty in coffee-growing communities. Additionally, Cafe Kreyol imports and sells green coffee, further supporting their commitment to ethical sourcing practices.
The move to the larger facility not only allows for expanded green coffee operations but also opens up new opportunities for Cafe Kreyol to showcase unique coffees from regions like Ethiopia to their customers. Stazzone expressed their dedication to growing their presence in Ethiopia and sharing these special coffees with a wider audience.
In conclusion, Cafe Kreyol’s expansion into a new 10,000 square foot production facility demonstrates their commitment to quality, sustainability, and growth in the coffee industry. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment, educational programming, and direct relationships with coffee producers, Cafe Kreyol is poised to continue making a positive impact in the coffee community. Subscribe to the DCN newsletter for the latest coffee industry news and updates.