If there had been a really good coffee shop in the office building where I used to work, I may have never left the corporate world to come back to coffee. Well, that’s not true; office jobs are a slow death. But having good coffee at my every beck and call would perhaps have made me forget my soul was leaving my body at an uncomfortable rate. In Burlington, Vermont, Kestrel Coffee Roasters is helping weary office workers fight the good fight with the opening of their brand new space in 1,200 employee office park.
Their full-time cafe is still in the works, but for the time being, Kestrel has being the white collar crowd caffeinated via a pop-up shop shop in the lobby of their future home. But soon enough, they will have a space all to themselves. Better get those timesheets approved early, that way you can spend a few extra but very necessary moments at the all new Kestrel Coffee Roasters in Burlington, Vermont.
As told to Sprudge by Charlotte Steverson.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Kestrel Coffee Roasters just opened this year as a roaster, wholesaler, and retailer in South Burlington, Vermont.
Co-Owners Charlotte and Johnny Steverson each have years of experience in the coffee and hospitality industries. Johnny, a licensed Q Grader, has been roasting for over five years. Charlotte is an experienced event planner and has accompanied Johnny on various cuppings, events, and classes.
Kestrels are the smallest of the falcons; they are small but mighty, which is the trait we love most about Kestrel Coffee Roasters.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
We are located inside a six-acre building at a large office complex called “Tech Park.” There are about 15 businesses and over 1,200 employees as well as walking trails (with the well-known “Whales Tails” sculpture) and a gorgeous view of the Green Mountains.
The entrance to our space will be right off a large atrium with skylights and communal seating. Our roaster (Loring S15) will be featured near the cafe behind a glass wall. We’ll bring in fun colors and a mix of wood and metal finishes to create a warm, welcoming vibe.
In the meantime, we have been open since July 2 in the form of a coffee kiosk located in a high traffic hallway of the same building. We also have our roaster temporarily set up. It’s been really amazing to get to know our neighbors and customers before the cafe even opens!
What’s your approach to coffee?
People have come to know us for sourcing really excellent coffees. It’s easy to talk at length about water temperature, extraction rates, and grind size, but at the end of the day it’s about drinking a great cup of coffee made by someone who cares.
Our job is to get that across to our customers.
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Our roaster is a Loring S15 Falcon. As far as brewing and grinding goes: La Marzocco Linea two-group, FETCO XTS, Mahlkönig EK-43 and Peak grinders… and great people!
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
December 2018/January 2019.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you’d like to mention?
Our branding and design firm (Solidarity of Unbridled Labour, Burlington, VT) was unbelievably creative and, among other things, came up with an incredible color palette that we can’t wait to showcase in the final space.
The architects (Scott + Partners, Essex, VT) have understood our vision from the start, and we’re just putting the finishing touches on the plans so construction can begin in September.
The counter/bar for our kiosk was designed and built by Construct Custom VT out of Montpelier, VT. Benjamin was so excited about this project and we couldn’t be happier with the result!
Finally, our landlord and contractor, ReArch. They have been an amazing partner, and we are so excited to be joining the Tech Park community.
Thank you!
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our story!
Kestrel Coffee Roasters is located at 30 Community Drive, South Burlington. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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