Coffee By Design

What Coffee By Design does

Coffee By Design is a Portland, Maine-based specialty coffee roastery and retailer founded in 1994. The company operates a 21,000 sq. ft. roastery equipped with Loring zero-emission roasters (Kestrel 35 kilo and Peregrine 70 kilo) alongside a San Franciscan sample roaster, and runs three company-owned coffeehouses in Portland (Diamond Street, India Street, Congress Street). It produces small-batch, roast-to-order specialty coffees with 100% farm traceability, sourcing from 50+ farms and co-ops across three continents, and has received Coffee Review scores in the 93 range for products such as Espresso Bella Crema and Costa Rica Tarrazu La Minita Estate. Since 2023, the company is 100% woman-owned following co-founder Alan Spear's sale of his shares to Mary Allen Lindemann.

The company serves three primary customer segments. The wholesale foodservice channel supplies 200+ partners including restaurants (Fore Street, Standard Baking Co., Street & Co., Scales, Luke's Lobster, Primo), craft breweries (Allagash, Maine Beer Company, Sebago), hotels (Press Hotel), and iconic Maine brands (L.L. Bean, Hannaford, Market Basket), supported by equipment installation, barista training, and custom blend development. The retail channel operates through three company-owned coffeehouses plus an e-commerce store with worldwide shipping and subscription options (2, 4, 6, or 8 week intervals), and a ready-to-drink canned product line (Chilled!, launched August 2023) using the 1994 Blend. Revenue mechanics are one-time purchases of coffee, brew gear (Chemex, AeroPress, Hario), and merchandise, with cause-related price premiums directing $1-2 per pound to community funds (Rebel Blend Fund for Maine artists, Juneteenth Blend to Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity).

The company is recognized as Roast Magazine's Macro Roaster of the Year (2020) and a James Beard Semi-Finalist (2025), and has accumulated 50+ regional and national awards since 1998. Strategic positioning emphasizes 100% traceability, zero-emission roasting that reduces energy consumption by up to 80%, direct farm relationships (Gasharu/Rwanda, La Minita/Costa Rica, Los Andes/Guatemala, COMSA/Honduras, Harangal Estate/India), and community ecosystem investment including the Rebel Blend Fund (over $100,000 in arts grants since 1998) and nearly $750,000 in donations to coffee-growing communities.

Name

Coffee By Design

Legal name

Coffee By Design, Inc.

Website

https://coffeebydesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Coffee By Design is a Portland, Maine-based specialty coffee roaster founded in 1994, operating three retail coffeehouses, a 21,000 sq. ft. roastery, and a wholesale network of 200+ partners across New England with worldwide e-commerce distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee Roasting

NAICS

Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (31192), Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee Manufacturing (AFAFADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coffee Roasters with Cafe (Roastery Cafes) (THAFADAE), Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee (CRADAHAF), Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI), Specialty Coffee & Tea (Single-Origin, Micro-lot, Premium) Processing (AFAFADAJ)

Keywords

• Specialty coffee roasting
• Wholesale coffee distribution
• Single origin coffee
• Custom coffee blends
• Coffeehouse retail

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Retail Coffeehouse Sales: Direct sales of coffee beverages and food through three company-owned coffeehouse locations in Portland, Maine (Diamond Street, India Street, Congress Street).
2. E-commerce Direct Sales: Online sales of roasted coffee beans, brew gear, and merchandise shipped directly to consumers. Coffee is roast-to-order. Free shipping on orders over $75.
3. Wholesale Coffee Sales: Bulk coffee sales to 200+ wholesale partners including restaurants, cafes, bakeries, hotels, offices, and retailers throughout Maine and New England. Provides equipment, training, and ongoing support services.
4. Rebel Blend Fund Donations: $1 from every pound of Rebel Blend coffee sold or brewed at coffeehouses is donated to the Rebel Blend Fund, which awards grants to Maine artists and arts organizations. Fund has awarded over $100,000 since 1998.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Coffee By Design is a specialty coffee roastery and retailer that sources, roasts, and distributes premium whole bean and ground coffee, ready-to-drink canned coffee, brewing equipment, and branded merchandise. The company operates three company-owned coffeehouses in Portland, Maine, a 21,000 sq. ft. artisan roastery using Loring zero-emission roasters, and a wholesale program serving 200+ food service partners throughout Maine and New England with custom blend development, equipment, training, and ongoing support.

Product overview

Coffee By Design is a specialty coffee roastery and retailer offering a portfolio of whole bean and ground coffees, ready-to-drink canned products, and brewing equipment accessories. The core product line includes single-origin and blended coffees in light, medium, and dark roasts (Rebel Blend, 1994 Blend, Atlantic Sunrise Blend, Espresso Bella Crema, Juneteenth Blend), supported by a B2B wholesale program serving over 200 partners. The company operates a Diamond Street coffeehouse and 21,000 sq. ft. roastery in Portland, Maine, using Loring roasters for small-batch, roast-to-order production with 100% traceability to source farms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Specialty Whole Bean and Ground Coffee Specialty coffee sold as whole bean or ground, available in light, medium, and dark roast levels, including blends combining beans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, single-origin offerings, organic options, and water-processed decaf coffees. Sold directly to consumers online and at coffeehouses, and to wholesale partners.
• Espresso Bella Crema Espresso blend combining beans from Central and South America, crafted for rich crema, with notes of sweet orange, chocolate, and nut tones. Awarded a Coffee Review score of 93 in December 2024. Available in 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb sizes.
• Rebel Blend Dark-roasted blend combining beans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with $1 from every pound sold or brewed at the Diamond Street coffeehouse donated to the Rebel Blend Fund supporting Maine artists and arts organizations.
• Juneteenth Blend Medium-roast blend created to celebrate Juneteenth, with $2 from every pound sold in June donated to the Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity (CCRE) supporting racial equity efforts.
• Rwanda Nyamasheke Gasharu Honey Single-origin honey-processed coffee from Rwanda's Nyamasheke District, sourced through the Gasharu Coffee partnership. Features notes of juicy, raspberry preserves, and Orangina. Light roast. Priced at $26.00 (12 oz).
• Petu Kariappa's Harangal Estate Natural
• Costa Rica Tarrazu La Minita Estate Single-origin coffee from Hacienda La Minita in Costa Rica's Tarrazu region, awarded a Coffee Review score of 93 in December 2024 with notes of lemon, cocoa, and floral characteristics. CBD has visited La Minita regularly for over 20 years.
• Atlantic Sunrise Blend
• Organic Italian Roast
• Chilled! Canned Coffee Ready-to-drink canned cold coffee made with the 1994 Blend of African beans, light roasted to highlight notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and wine-like acidity. Available in 4-packs or individually.
• Brew Gear
• Branded Merchandise
• Wholesale Coffee Program Custom coffee programs for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, hotels, offices, and retailers, including equipment selection, installation, staff training, ongoing support, and custom or proprietary blend development. Serves over 200 wholesale partners including James Beard Award-winning restaurants.
• Coffeehouse Operations (Diamond Street, India Street, Congress Street) Retail coffeehouse operations at three Portland, Maine locations (Diamond Street, India Street, Congress Street) serving specialty coffee beverages and food daily, with mobile ordering via Square. Diamond Street serves as an inclusive community hub and houses the 21,000 sq. ft. roastery.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $100,000 awarded to Maine artists since 1998 through Rebel Blend Fund
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fore Street RestaurantcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1998First wholesale account won in 1998, just six months after starting to roast. Fore Street is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant credited with launching the farm-to-table movement in Maine. CBD works with chef Sam Hayward on custom blends and the partnership has continued for over 25 years, extending to other restaurants (Street & Co., Scales, Standard Baking Co.).
• Gasharu Coffee (Rwanda)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily-run Rwandan coffee operation founded by Celestin Rumenerangabo. Now managed by his sons Valentin Kimenyi (General Manager) and Jean Christophe Rusatira (founder of Umuko Coffee import company). Partnership began in 2021 with first Gasharu coffee offering. CBD team visited farms in 2023 and 2024. Gasharu works with 1,760 partner farmers and 344 community members (70% women).
• Hacienda La Minita (Costa Rica)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned coffee farm in Tarrazú, Costa Rica, purchased in 2014 by Ito En. Known for sustainable farming practices, worker housing, medical facility, pension fund, and school. CBD has visited regularly for over 20 years and sells multiple La Minita coffees including the Estate, anaerobic varieties, and Lilo nano lots.
• Los Andes (Guatemala)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstate on southern slopes of Atitlán volcano under direction of Olga Hazard. 60% cloud forest reserve protecting endangered species. Supports 150 workers with housing, electricity, clean water, medical care, and education. CBD has donated to support the school and purchases micro-lots. During COVID, Olga donated additional coffee and CBD donated proceeds to Immigrant Welcome Center.
• Umuko CoffeecoreTechnology or IntegrationU.S.-based coffee importing company started by Jean Christophe Rusatira (brother of Gasharu GM Valentin Kimenyi). Disrupts system that sends 90% of Rwandan coffee profits to foreign interests. Imports Gasharu coffees to the U.S. and promotes local equity, sustainable agriculture, and community support.
• COMSA (Café Orgánico Marcala Sociedad Anónima, Honduras)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamed farm partner in Honduras, part of CBD's network of 50+ farms and co-ops across three continents.
• International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization working towards greater equity and empowerment for women in the coffee industry. CBD collaborates with IWCA and hosted 2019 gathering welcoming women from around the world to Maine.
• Androscoggin BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPromotional supporter of the Rebel Blend Fund, helping spread awareness of CBD's arts grant program that supports Maine artists and organizations.
• L.L. BeancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWholesale coffee supply partnership at L.L. Bean's Freeport flagship location, serving customers of the iconic Maine outdoor retailer.
• HannafordcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional grocery chain distribution partner making CBD coffee products available in Hannaford stores throughout Maine region.
• Market BasketcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional grocery chain distribution partner for CBD coffee products in Maine.
• Immigrant Welcome CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuring COVID, CBD donated proceeds from Los Andes micro-lots to fund language lab at Immigrant Welcome Center of Greater Portland, teaching English to frontline workers.
• Preble StreetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual CRAVE event partner where $1 from each featured coffee drink or dessert sold at partner locations supports Preble Street Resource Center, helping provide critical services to neighbors in need.
• Portland Buy LocalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBD helped organize Portland Buy Local in 2006, recognized as one of the most successful launches of a Buy Local program in the nation. Used as case studies in U.S. and abroad. CBD inducted into Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Allagash Brewing Co.minorOthersPortland-based craft brewery partner, part of CBD's network of 200+ wholesale business partners in Maine.
• Maine Beer CompanyminorOthersCraft brewery partner, part of CBD's wholesale network.
• Standard Baking Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term wholesale partner for over 20 years, Portland bakery known for artisan breads and pastries.
• Street and Company RestaurantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term wholesale partner for over 20 years, Portland seafood restaurant.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Portland, Oregon-founded specialty coffee roaster with cafes, wholesale program, and nationally distributed RTD cold brew. Direct comparable in roastery-plus-cafe model, single-origin sourcing narrative, and barista-focused wholesale support; recently acquired by Peet's Coffee providing significantly more capital and distribution than CBD has access to.
• Counter Culture Coffee: Durham, North Carolina-based specialty coffee roaster with sustainability-led sourcing, training centers, and a national wholesale program. Closely comparable to CBD in emphasis on direct trade, education, and farm partnerships; also operates a multi-roaster training model targeting foodservice operators.
• Blue Bottle Coffee: Oakland-born specialty roaster with cafe network, mail-order subscription, and nationally distributed RTD and packaged coffee now owned by Nestlé. Direct comparable in craft-coffee cafe-retail model, roast-to-order DTC, and premium positioning; meaningfully larger scale and capital base post-Nestlé acquisition.
• Intelligentsia Coffee: Chicago-based specialty roaster with direct-trade sourcing, barista training programs, and a wholesale network serving high-end restaurants. Comparable in cafe-plus-wholesale model, premium single-origin portfolio, and deep foodservice relationships; acquired by Peet's Coffee in 2015.
• Verve Coffee Roasters: Santa Cruz, California specialty roaster with cafes, e-commerce, and farm-level direct trade program. Closely comparable in integrated roastery-cafe model, single-origin storytelling, and premium DTC subscription; similar scale and regional-to-national growth trajectory.
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Philadelphia-based specialty roaster operating cafes, wholesale program, and nationally distributed Draft Latte RTD canned line. Comparable in roastery-cafe integration, wholesale foodservice focus, and pioneering RTD canned coffee category that CBD's Chilled! line is now entering.
• George Howell Coffee: Massachusetts-based specialty roaster with a cafe, single-origin auction coffees, and a strong New England presence. Most comparable to CBD on regional positioning in the same Northeast U.S. geography and overlap on premium single-origin portfolio targeting similar wholesale customers.

Regional players

• Tandem Coffee + Bakery: Portland, Maine-based specialty coffee roaster and cafe with bakery. Geographic and category peer to CBD; both target Portland foodie/wholesale audience with craft coffee and food pairing. Smaller scale, providing a useful regional benchmark for CBD's market position.

Emerging players

• Onyx Coffee Lab: Arkansas-based specialty roaster rapidly gaining national recognition through competition wins (U.S. Barista Championship) and direct-trade sourcing. Comparable in craft-focused roasting, award-driven brand building, and growth from regional to national specialty accounts via quality reputation.

Broad incumbents

• Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Starbucks-owned premium specialty coffee concept featuring roasteries, tasting rooms, and small-batch Reserve beans. Broad incumbent in the same premium specialty category where CBD competes; substantially larger scale, capital, and global brand reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/coffeebydesign
• Instagraminstagram.com/coffeebydesign
• Xx.com/cbdportland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coffee-by-design

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

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 Coffee By Design