Latest Pour: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Welcome to this edition of Latest Pour: Interesting Stories in Coffee, Brews, and Bubbles You Should Know About, where we dive into the latest stories from the vibrant world of coffee, breweries, and culinary delights. From the intricate art of coffee roasting to inspiring journeys of coffee makers, and from memorable coffee festivals to innovative coffee shop expansions, we bring you a blend of stories that celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences in the world of craft beverages. Pour yourself a glass and join us as we explore these captivating tales!
Sovda Appoints Brice Sturmer as New CEO
Sovda, a prominent manufacturer of coffee roasting equipment, has recently named Brice Sturmer as its new CEO. Brice Sturmer, known for founding the Michigan-based Velodrome Coffee Company, takes over from Chris Romes, who has been with the company since its inception in 2017. Sturmer initially joined Sovda earlier this year as the global head of service, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his successful tenure at Velodrome Coffee Company. Under his leadership, Sovda aims to enhance machine operator experiences and introduce new tools for roasters to monitor coffee quality throughout the post-roast process. Read more
Lark Coffee & Roastery Takes Flight in Granby
Lark Coffee & Roastery has recently opened its doors in Granby, taking over the location previously occupied by Simple Coffee. Lulu McCay, a former employee of Simple Coffee, saw an opportunity to create something new and exciting. The coffee shop offers a drive-thru and outdoor seating, providing a seamless transition for loyal customers and attracting new ones. Lark Coffee & Roastery is committed to sustainability, offering drinks in glass jars to reduce plastic waste. The menu features a seasonal rotation of lattes, teas, breakfast burritos, and pastries, making it a must-visit destination for coffee lovers. Read more
Idle Hands Roastery: Excellence in Coffee and Transparency
Idle Hands Roastery, co-founded by Ricky Dyson, Adrian Bradshaw Tezjan, and Peter Jones, is making waves in the coffee industry with its commitment to excellence and transparency. The roastery participates in the Cup of Excellence program, sourcing exceptional coffee and auctioning them off to roasters. Idle Hands works tirelessly to give back to the original coffee growers, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work. Their dedication to sustainability and social impact efforts is lifting up the Salt Lake coffee scene, making Idle Hands a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. Read more
Oliver Gospel Mission Roastery Receives Prestigious Honor
Oliver Gospel Roastery, a coffee shop with a meaningful mission, has been recognized as the Best of South Carolina Regional Winner in the coffeehouses category by The Guide to South Carolina. This accolade highlights the roastery’s commitment to outstanding coffee, innovative roasting techniques, and fostering a warm, community-oriented environment. The award solidifies its reputation as a leader in the local coffee industry. Roastery Manager Christina Fleming expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing the success to their loyal customers and the community’s support. Read more
Discovering Rojo’s Roastery: Princeton’s Hidden Coffee Gem
Nestled between The Bent Spoon and Thomas Sweet’s Chocolates in Palmer Square, Rojo’s Roastery offers a serene alternative to the bustling student favorite, Small World. Opened in 2013, this artisan café emphasizes supporting vulnerable coffee farmers globally, providing a cozy ambiance with its distinctive red walls and friendly atmosphere. While the coffee might be a bit bitter for some, the Chai latte stands out as a delicious blend of spiced flavors. Rojo’s is a great spot for a calm study break or a pleasant chat with the welcoming baristas. Read more
Don’t Shop Thirsty at Columbia Street Roastery
After enduring three caffeine-free days, Linea Johnson finally visited Columbia Street Roastery, where the enticing aroma of coffee led her to splurge on cold brew and chocolate-covered espresso beans. Her experience underscores the irresistible allure of local coffee shops for avid coffee lovers. Johnson’s humorous tale serves as a reminder of the sensory pleasures tied to enjoying quality coffee. Read more
Better ‘Lait’ Than Never: A Review of Rojo’s Roastery
Rojo’s Roastery, a lesser-known café near Princeton’s campus, offers a tranquil alternative to busier coffee shops in the area. While it boasts a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, the quality of its beverages and pastries is somewhat inconsistent. The chai latte stands out as a highlight, but other items like the latte and pastries may not meet expectations. Despite these drawbacks, Rojo’s remains a charming spot for a quiet study break or casual gathering. Its commitment to sustainability and community adds to its appeal. Read more
Midnight Coffee Club Opens in Dayton
Midnight Coffee Club is a newly established small-batch coffee roastery in Dayton, founded by two friends, Jacob Stoll and Jim Gano, who met while working at a vitamin supplement shop. The company specializes in single-origin coffee, currently offering medium and dark roasts sourced from Brazil and Costa Rica. Their coffee is available in various bag sizes, ranging from 4 oz. to 16 oz., with prices increasing incrementally based on size.
Originally conceived as a 24-hour coffee shop catering to night-shift workers, the owners decided to start small, focusing on perfecting their product before expanding. After extensive research and development, they launched Midnight Coffee Club in May and have since fulfilled 90 orders. The owners aim to eventually expand their offerings to include a coffee truck and a physical café, with plans to introduce 48 oz. bags in the future. Read more
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of craft liquids. Whether you’re a seasoned craft liquids enthusiast or just starting to explore the diverse flavors and stories behind each release, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Until next time, cheers to great drinks and the memories we each create with every sip!
