Metropolis Coffee Company

What Metropolis Coffee Company does

Metropolis Coffee Company is a Chicago-based specialty coffee roaster founded in December 2003, operating a wholesale-first model that supplies roasted coffee, cold brew, single-serve frac packs, compostable Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules, premium teas, and allied products (cups, filters, Oatly) to coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, universities, and institutions nationally. Production is anchored at a roasterie housed in an 1850s-era building on the Chicago River and uses vintage 1930s-40s roasters retrofitted with modern quality controls, including a laser-color analyzer for roast profiling, software-monitored roast recipes, weekly taste testing, and nitrogen-flushed packaging that yields 12-24 month capsule freshness. The product portfolio is complemented by a full services stack: equipment procurement and 24/7 service (La Marzocco, Synesso, Eversys, Bunn, Fetco, Mazzer), barista training, custom blend development, and sublicensing of sustainability certifications (SQF Level 2, BPI/CMA compostable, USDA Organic, Fair Trade).

The company's commercial engine spans three revenue streams: (1) direct B2B wholesale through a national field sales team and distributor network with tiered volume pricing and free shipping thresholds; (2) Metropolis Workshop, a private label and co-packing sub-brand offering brandable espresso capsules, frac packs, whole bean, and toll roasting with low MOQs; and (3) retail sales through three Chicago locations (flagship Edgewater Café, O'Hare T5 Café opened May 2024, and the Roasterie pickup point) plus a Shopify e-commerce storefront. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the model emphasizes long-tenure wholesale partnerships (Yolk since 2006) and embedded service relationships with multi-unit enterprise customers including Hogsalt's restaurant portfolio and WithMe Inc.'s nationwide printer/coffee amenity network. The company is privately held, founder-led (Co-Founder and President Tony Dreyfuss), profitable without external institutional capital, and positioned in Chicago specialty coffee with brand recognition anchored by Roast Magazine's 2007 Roaster of the Year award and multiple Chicago Reader accolades.

Name

Metropolis Coffee Company

Legal name

Metropolis Coffee Company

Website

https://metropoliscoffee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Metropolis Coffee Company is a Chicago-based specialty coffee roaster (founded 2003) that wholesales roasted coffee, cold brew, compostable Nespresso-compatible capsules, and tea to hospitality businesses nationwide, while operating Metropolis Workshop for private label/co-packing and three Chicago retail cafés.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee Roasting and Wholesale

NAICS

Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Single-Serve Coffee (Pods, Capsules) (CRADAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coffee & Tea Concentrates, Syrups & Extracts (CRADAHAI), Espresso Bars & Coffee Bars (THAFADAD), Coffee, Espresso & Tea Appliances Retail (CRACADAC)

Keywords

• Wholesale coffee roasting
• Specialty coffee supply
• Private label coffee
• Espresso capsules manufacturing
• Coffee program services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Coffee and Cold Brew: Core B2B revenue stream selling roasted coffee beans (whole bean, ground), cold brew (canned, kegged, concentrate), and single-serve products to wholesale partners. Revenue is transactional with recurring order potential through subscription/recurring order arrangements.
2. Private Label & Co-Packing: Metropolis Workshop division provides private label and co-packing services for espresso capsules, frac packs, and whole beans. Clients can use their brand with Metropolis coffee, or supply their own coffee for packaging.
3. Equipment Sales & Service: Procurement, installation, and 24/7 service for espresso machines and brewing equipment from brands like La Marzocco, Synesso, Eversys, Bunn, Fetco, and others.
4. Training & Support Services: Coffee and tea training for partner staff, barista education, and ongoing customer support services.
5. Retail Café Sales: Direct consumer revenue from three café locations in Chicago (Edgewater Café, O'Hare T5 Café, Roasterie pickup).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Metropolis Coffee Company roasts and supplies specialty coffee (beans, ground, cold brew, frac packs, and Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules), premium teas, and allied products on a wholesale basis to coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, universities, and institutions. Through Metropolis Workshop, the company also provides private label and co-packing services for espresso capsules, frac packs, and whole bean products, complemented by equipment supply, installation, 24/7 service, and barista training.

Product overview

Metropolis Coffee Company is a Chicago-based specialty coffee roaster operating as both a wholesale supplier and retail café operator. Its wholesale division serves hospitality businesses (coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, universities, institutions) with a full product portfolio: roasted coffee and cold brew (canned, kegged, concentrate), single-serve frac packs, compostable espresso capsules (Nespresso Original Line compatible), premium teas, and allied products (cups, filters, Oatly). Its complementary service suite covers equipment supply, installation and 24/7 support, barista training, sublicensing for sustainability certifications, and custom coffee program development. The company's private label and co-packing sub-brand, Metropolis Workshop, enables partners to brand espresso capsules, frac packs, and whole bean products, or to provide their own coffee for toll roasting and capsule filling. Operationally, Metropolis runs three physical locations — the Roasterie headquarters (3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago), the flagship Edgewater Café (1039 W Granville Ave, Chicago), and the O'Hare T5 Café (Terminal 5, Gate M30, O'Hare Airport).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Metropolis Workshop: Private label and co-packing division offering customized coffee capsule, frac pack, and whole bean solutions for hospitality businesses.

Products and services

• Coffee and Cold Brew (Wholesale) Roasted wholesale blends and single origins matched to partner flavor profiles, price points, and brew methods; cold brew available in cans, kegs, and concentrate, including private label options. Targeted at hospitality and wholesale buyers.
• Single-Serve (Frac Packs and Espresso Capsules) Nitro-flushed frac packs for drip coffee and commercially compostable espresso capsules compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines, suited for high-volume or low-touch hospitality environments.
• Tea Program Sourced assortment of premium teas including black, green, herbal, iced, chai concentrate, and matcha powder, offered to wholesale partners with consolidated ordering.
• Wholesale Equipment Offering Full equipment offering including espresso machines by La Marzocco, Synesso, Eversys, Gaggia, and Nuova Simonelli; batch brewers from Bunn, Fetco, and Wilbur Curtis; and grinders from Brood and Mazzer, supplied to wholesale partners.
• Allied Products Consumables including cups, filters, and Oatly oat milk offered to wholesale partners with consolidated ordering and dependable delivery.
• Metropolis Workshop (Private Label) Private label service that lets wholesale partners release their own branded espresso capsules, frac packs, and whole bean coffee, with industry-low MOQs, short lead times, and sustainable packaging options.
• Metropolis Workshop (Co-Packing and Toll Roasting) Co-packing and toll roasting service where partners supply their own green coffee and Metropolis handles roasting, grinding, filling, and packaging into espresso capsules, frac packs, or whole bean formats.
• Equipment Supply and Support Full lifecycle equipment management including procurement, installation, and 24/7 service support for espresso machines, brewers, and grinders supplied to wholesale customers.
• Coffee Training Barista and staff training on drip coffee, espresso, and tea preparation to ensure consistent, high-quality beverage preparation at partner locations.
• Sublicensing and Compliance Support Sublicensing services for BPI-certified compostable products, USDA Organic, and Fair Trade certifications to help wholesale partners meet sustainability goals.
• Custom Program Development Custom coffee program building including sourcing, blend development, training, equipment, delivery, and ongoing support tailored to partner concept and workflow.
• Spice Island Espresso Capsule Award-winning dark roast espresso blend with a sweet, fudgy, low-acid profile and stout body, compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines.
• Redline Espresso Capsule Metropolis flagship espresso blend in medium roast with syrupy body, available as retail and wholesale Nespresso-compatible espresso capsules.
• La Cordillera Espresso Capsule Balanced, sweet medium roast espresso capsule, one of the blends in the wholesale capsule range, compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines.
• Decaf Redline Espresso Capsule Decaffeinated version of the Redline flagship espresso blend, retaining caramel, toasted almond, and sweet cherry notes, Nespresso Original Line compatible.

Quantifiable outcome

• SQF Level 2 certified facility - the gold standard for food safety certifications required to sell into the largest retailers and hospitality brands
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• HogsaltcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHogsalt is a Chicago-based restaurant group including Au Cheval, Bavette's, Gilt Bar, Green Street Smoked Meats, and Donut Vault. Metropolis helps define and elevate their coffee culture through custom blend development, branding, and barista education.
• WithMe, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWithMe powers secure wireless printers and premium coffee amenities in thousands of locations nationwide. Metropolis provides customized product offerings and account management.
• YolkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYolk has been a partner since 2006, delivering unique dishes to thousands of loyal customers in Chicago weekly. Metropolis produces bulk coffee beans, retail bags for sale, and canned cold brew for their establishments and online.
• Cafe Jumping BeansecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCafe Jumping Bean partners with Metropolis for custom blend house coffee, espresso, retail bags, and coffee equipment.
• DollopsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetropolis Workshop partner for private label coffee products.
• OatlysecondaryOthersOatly oat milk offered as an allied product option for wholesale partners.
• Rishi TeasecondaryOthersRishi Tea offered as part of the tea program for wholesale partners.
• La MarzoccosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPremium espresso machine brand offered as equipment option for wholesale partners.
• SynessosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationPremium espresso machine brand offered as equipment option for wholesale partners.
• EversyssecondaryTechnology or IntegrationEspresso machine brand offered as equipment option for wholesale partners.
• BunnsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationBatch brewer brand offered as equipment option for wholesale partners.
• FetcosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationBatch brewer brand offered as equipment option for wholesale partners.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Royal Cup Coffee: Long-established B2B coffee and tea supplier serving offices, hotels, restaurants, and institutions nationally. Royal Cup's broad foodservice distribution, equipment service, and private label offerings make it a strong comparable for Metropolis's full-stack wholesale model.
• Café Britt: Specialty coffee roaster with a meaningful private label and gourmet single-serve capsule business serving hospitality and retail partners. Café Britt's branded single-serve and contract manufacturing capabilities are comparable to Metropolis Workshop.
• S&D Coffee & Tea: Large-scale B2B coffee roaster specializing in private label, custom blending, and foodservice distribution. S&D's private-label/co-packing offering is the closest direct comparison to Metropolis Workshop, though at meaningfully greater scale.
• Coffee Holding Company: Wholesale coffee roaster specializing in private label and branded specialty coffee for foodservice, retail, and office channels. Direct overlap with Metropolis's wholesale plus private label/co-packing revenue model.
• Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee: Private label coffee and tea roaster/co-packer with strong foodservice and hospitality customer base. Mother Parkers' co-manufacturing model and contract roasting capabilities directly parallel the Metropolis Workshop division.
• Counter Culture Coffee: Specialty coffee roaster with a similar sustainability-led, direct trade, B2B wholesale model and strong training/program development offering. Counter Culture's regional training centers and sustainability focus closely mirror Metropolis's value proposition for hospitality customers.
• Intelligentsia Coffee: Chicago-based specialty coffee roaster with a comparable wholesale-first B2B model serving cafés, restaurants, and offices. Intelligentsia pioneered direct trade in the U.S. — paralleling Metropolis's direct trade program — making it the closest geographic and operating model peer.
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Specialty coffee roaster operating wholesale, café, and direct-to-consumer channels — same three-pillar model as Metropolis. Stumptown's enterprise wholesale program for restaurants, hotels, and offices is highly comparable in customer profile and product breadth.

Broad incumbents

• Keurig Dr Pepper: Largest single-serve coffee platform in North America through K-Cup and licensed partnerships. While not a direct specialty competitor, KDP's scale in single-serve formats shapes the procurement environment for capsule manufacturers like Metropolis.
• Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA: One of the largest coffee manufacturers in the world, with a major U.S. private label and foodservice wholesale business (Chock full o'Nuts, Hills Bros, Cain's). Massimo Zanetti competes for the same large institutional and private label accounts as Metropolis.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/metropoliscoco
• Facebookfacebook.com/MetropolisCoffee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/metropolis-coffee-company

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metropolis Coffee Company