Cartel Coffee Lab
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersAzusa, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Cartel Coffee Lab does
Cartel Coffee Lab, doing business as Cartel Roasting Co., is a community-owned specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator founded in 2008 by Jason and Amy Silberschlag in Tempe, Arizona. The company sources green coffee through direct relationships with international partners, roasts to order, and distributes product through an integrated network spanning 13 company-owned cafes across Arizona (12 locations spanning Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson) and Southern California (Los Angeles and Palm Springs), a WooCommerce-powered e-commerce storefront, a recurring subscription service, and a B2B wholesale program targeting restaurants, cafes, and corporate offices.
The core product portfolio centers on specialty-grade coffees, including single-origin offerings from estates such as Kenya Ibonia, signature blends (Blend Forty-Eight, Desert City Dark, Give Back Blend, seasonal cold brew), and EA sugarcane-processed decaf. Pricing is unit-based at approximately $20–$26 per 12oz bag, $48–$57 per 2lb bag, and $110–$130 per 5lb bag for whole-bean coffee. Subscriptions are structured at weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cadence with gift-tier prepaid options. Ancillary revenue includes brewing equipment (Chemex brewers $39.95–$49.95; Hario V60 drippers $30.50–$32.50) and branded merchandise through collaborations with artists such as Rod Cooley and Jonny Ashcroft. The business claims "seed to cup" transparency, an award-winning signature blend (Blend Forty-Eight GCA Award), and community impact through a Give Back Blend linked to nonprofit partners.
Revenue is generated across four streams: (1) retail coffee sales via cafes and e-commerce, (2) recurring subscriptions, (3) B2B wholesale, and (4) brewing equipment and merchandise. The customer base is distributed across individual coffee consumers (primary), foodservice establishments, corporate offices, and gift purchasers. In 2025, the company launched a StartEngine community-ownership campaign to open partial equity to community members, closing approximately $977,107 in January 2026 as an alternative to institutional venture funding. Distribution is multi-channel through company-owned retail cafes, DTC e-commerce, subscription shipping, and wholesale partnerships, supported by an order-ahead digital platform (ordercartel.co) and a WooCommerce-based online shop.
Cartel Coffee Lab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cartel Coffee Lab
- Legal name
- Cartel Coffee Lab, LLC
- Website
- https://cartelroasting.co
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cartel Coffee Lab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Coffee Roasting & Cafe Operations
- NAICS
- Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (31192), Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Beverages (2080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Coffee Roasters with Cafe (Roastery Cafes) (THAFADAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Coffee (Roasted, Ground, Whole Bean) (CRADAHAG), Specialty Coffee Shops (Single-Origin, Third-Wave) (THAFADAA), Coffee Roasting & Grinding (AFAFADAB), Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI)
Keywords
Where Cartel Coffee Lab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Azusa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices16 records
Markets served
Cartel Coffee Lab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Retail Coffee Sales: Whole bean and ground coffee products sold through company cafes, online shop, and subscription service. Products include single-origin coffees, signature blends, and decaf options in various sizes.
- Coffee Subscriptions: Recurring subscription revenue from weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly coffee deliveries in multiple bag sizes. Both personal and gift subscription options available.
- Wholesale B2B: Wholesale coffee sales to restaurants, cafes, and offices including espresso, brewed coffee, cold brew on tap, and whole bean products with optional training.
- Brewing Equipment & Merchandise: Sales of brewing equipment (Chemex, Hario V60) and branded merchandise including apparel, mugs, can coolers, and stickers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single Origin and Blend Coffees - 12 oz to 5 lb bags |
| Subscription | Monthly | Coffee Subscription Plans - Multiple Frequencies |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Brewing Equipment |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Branded Merchandise |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Cartel Coffee Lab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cartel Roasting Co. (operating as Cartel Coffee Lab) roasts and sells specialty single-origin and blended coffees in multiple bag sizes for both in-store consumption and home brewing. The company operates 13 cafe locations across Arizona and California, complemented by direct-to-consumer online retail, a recurring coffee subscription program, and a B2B wholesale program serving restaurants, cafes, and offices with espresso, brewed coffee, cold brew, and whole bean offerings.
Product overview
Cartel Roasting Co. is a specialty coffee company operating as a single integrated offering centered on premium roasted coffee products and cafe services. The core business combines direct-to-consumer retail (whole bean coffees and subscriptions), in-café service across 13 Arizona and California locations, and B2B wholesale accounts. The product portfolio centers on a signature blend (Blend Forty-Eight), rotating single-origin offerings, seasonal cold brew, and decaf options, supplemented by brewing equipment (Chemex, Hario V60) and branded merchandise. Subscriptions provide recurring revenue with personal and gift tiers delivering whole bean coffee on flexible schedules. Wholesale services extend the brand to restaurants, offices, and partner cafes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Coffee Retail (Whole Bean) Single-origin and blended whole-bean coffees sold by the bag in 12 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb sizes, including seasonal offerings, guest roaster collaborations, and rotating single origins. Available to individual consumers through the online shop, cafes, and wholesale channels.
- Blend Forty-Eight Cartel's first and signature blend combining three parts Colombian washed coffee with one part Brazilian natural coffee. Medium-light roast with notes of mandarin orange, dark chocolate, and agave; designed for espresso and milk pairings. GCA award-recognized.
- Desert City Dark Dark roast blend of Guatemala (40%) and Brazil (60%) designed to minimize acidity. Notes of macadamia nut, dark chocolate, and black cherry without bitter or smoky characteristics.
- Double Star Decaf EA sugarcane-processed decaf coffee from Colombia with notes of graham cracker, molasses, and lime.
- Cold Brew Blend Ready-to-brew seasonal cold brew blend from Central and South American regional lots. Full-bodied with chocolate and navel orange notes; requires cold-steep preparation.
- Give Back Blend Mission-driven coffee blend where a portion of sales supports nonprofit partners (currently My Friend's Place serving youth experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles). Equal parts Brazil natural and Guatemala washed; notes of dried cranberry, nougat, and almond.
- Coffee Subscription Service Recurring coffee delivery service available weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, supporting single origin, blends, or decaf options. Offers personal subscriptions and 6/12/24-week gift subscriptions in 12 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bag sizes.
- Cafe Retail (In-Store Service) On-site cafe service at 13 locations across Arizona and California offering espresso drinks, brewed coffee, cold brew, and pastries including food items from local partners. Locations span standalone, hotel, ASU campus, and PHX Sky Harbor airport formats.
- Wholesale Coffee Program B2B coffee service for restaurants, cafes, and offices. Services include espresso, brewed coffee, cold brew, whole bean, and private label options with training and tech support available.
- Chemex Brewers Glass pour-over coffee makers available in 3-cup ($39.95) and 8-cup ($49.95) sizes. Made of non-porous borosilicate glass and sold alongside Chemex filters for home brewing.
- Hario V60 Dripper 02 Ceramic pour-over dripper in multiple color options (white, matte black, dune, green, red). Priced at $30.50–$32.50 and sold with Hario V60 paper filters.
Companies that use Cartel Coffee Lab
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cartel Coffee Lab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Cartel Coffee Lab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Playworks AZminorGive Back program partner supporting youth development through play. Currently supported through Give Back Blend purchases.
- Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)minorGive Back partner creating safe space in 90+ communities, promoting inclusivity and rejecting discrimination.
- Thrive AZminorNonprofit Give Back partner offering resources to at-risk families to empower them to flourish since 2016.
- My Friend's PlaceminorNonprofit partner for the Give Back Blend coffee product. My Friend's Place provides low-barrier, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed care to young people experiencing homelessness ages 12 to 24 in the Los Angeles area. A portion of Give Back Blend sales support this organization.
- WooCommercecoreE-commerce platform provider powering the online store at cartelroasting.co. WooCommerce provides the online e-commerce platform enabling product sales.
- Created Co.minorCollaboration partner for Coffee Cowboy 12oz mug. Created Co. manufactures globally-minded and responsibly made ceramic mugs.
- SagePizzaminorCollaboration partner for Americano Eagle Tee product.
- Rod CooleyminorCollaboration partner for Coffee Reaper Shirt and Coffee Cowboy Sticker merchandise products.
- Jonny AshcroftminorCollaboration partner for Cartel Sun Tee merchandise.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cartel Coffee Lab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Press Coffee: Phoenix-based specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator with a similar multi-location Arizona footprint, in-cafe and wholesale distribution, and direct-sourcing positioning. Most direct head-to-head competitor in the Arizona market.
- Joe Coffee: Specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator in major U.S. cities with subscription and wholesale programs. Similar integrated model targeting specialty coffee consumers.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: Specialty coffee roaster and cafe chain with strong direct-sourcing story, cafes, subscription, and nationwide DTC shipping. Closely comparable integrated roastery-cafe model at larger scale.
- Verve Coffee Roasters: California-born specialty coffee roaster operating retail cafes, e-commerce, and a subscription program with a strong direct-sourcing and third-wave coffee narrative — closely comparable business model and product mix.
- Intelligentsia Coffee: Pioneering third-wave specialty roaster with direct trade sourcing, retail cafes, and wholesale accounts — directly comparable product positioning and customer base.
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Specialty roaster operating retail cafes, wholesale, and DTC with strong emphasis on cold brew and draft coffee — relevant comparable for Cartel's cold brew and wholesale cafe program.
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Iconic third-wave coffee roaster with retail cafes, wholesale, and DTC operations. Comparable specialty roasting, direct trade, and cafe-retail integration model.
Emerging players
- Trade Coffee: DTC coffee subscription marketplace aggregating independent roasters. Relevant comparable for Cartel's subscription/DTC channel and competitive threat to single-roaster subscription economics.
- Onyx Coffee Lab: Award-winning specialty roaster with cafe and subscription operations focused on competition-grade coffee. Comparable premium positioning and DTC/subscription model at smaller scale.
Broad incumbents
- Peet's Coffee: Established national specialty coffee roaster and cafe chain with broad retail, grocery, and foodservice distribution. Provides a benchmark for pricing, channel mix, and competitive pressure in the premium coffee segment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cartel Coffee Lab social profiles
Digital presenceCartel Coffee Lab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cartel Coffee Lab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Cartel Coffee Lab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cartel Coffee Lab M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cartel Coffee Lab
What does Cartel Coffee Lab do?
Cartel Roasting Co. (operating as Cartel Coffee Lab) roasts and sells specialty single-origin and blended coffees in multiple bag sizes for both in-store consumption and home brewing. The company operates 13 cafe locations across Arizona and California, complemented by direct-to-consumer online retail, a recurring coffee subscription program, and a B2B wholesale program serving restaurants, cafes, and offices with espresso, brewed coffee, cold brew, and whole bean offerings.
Is Cartel Coffee Lab a public or private company?
Cartel Coffee Lab is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Cartel Coffee Lab founded?
Cartel Coffee Lab was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Cartel Coffee Lab based?
Cartel Coffee Lab is headquartered in Azusa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cartel Coffee Lab make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Retail Coffee Sales are the primary driver. The others are coffee Subscriptions, wholesale B2B and brewing Equipment & Merchandise.
Who are Cartel Coffee Lab's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Press Coffee, Joe Coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee, Verve Coffee Roasters, Intelligentsia Coffee, La Colombe Coffee Roasters and Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Emerging players are Trade Coffee and Onyx Coffee Lab. Peet's Coffee is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Cartel Coffee Lab have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cartel Coffee Lab.
What industry is Cartel Coffee Lab in?
Cartel Coffee Lab's product category is Specialty Coffee Roasting & Cafe Operations. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFADAE, Coffee Roasters with Cafe (Roastery Cafes), with a secondary code of CRADAHAG, Coffee (Roasted, Ground, Whole Bean). Its NAICS code is 31192 and its SIC code is 5810.