Jim Munson’s Coffee Blueprint: How Brooklyn Roasting Company Built a Citywide Following

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TLDR

In a city overflowing with coffee options, few names stand out like Brooklyn Roasting Company. Founded in 2009 in Williamsburg with little more than a French press and a vision, this independent roaster has grown into one of New York’s leading names in coffee. Today, it operates four cafes across the city, alongside a state-of-the-art roasting facility in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard.

From the start, Brooklyn Roasting Company has balanced craft with conscience. It’s a business built on bold flavor, sustainable sourcing, and a clear respect for the communities it serves. What began in a Brooklyn loft now supports a wide network of wholesale partners and loyal daily customers, without losing the clarity of its mission.

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Where the Craft Happens: Inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard

The heart of BRC’s operation lives inside Building 123, a massive brick structure built in 1899. With thick masonry walls and soaring ceilings, the space has been transformed into a modern coffee facility that covers everything from roasting to packaging.

The company uses advanced Loring convection roasters, which are known for their consistency and energy efficiency. These machines rely on air rather than metal to apply heat, resulting in coffee with smoother, more balanced flavors. Every roast is closely tracked using Cropster software, allowing for careful monitoring and refinement.

All packaging is handled on-site. Beans are sealed in durable steel tins and recyclable bags, each designed with freshness and reusability in mind. From resealable zippers to one-way valves, every detail plays a role in maintaining quality. Sustainability is central to their process, not as a marketing add-on but as part of how the business operates.

From Loft Startup to Trusted Roaster

Founder Jim Munson launched Brooklyn Roasting Company with a straightforward plan. He wanted to create a coffee company that could serve as a roaster, a retailer, and a reliable wholesale partner. Over the years, that three-part model has grown into a robust operation that serves hundreds of accounts across New York while maintaining a local, recognizable presence.

The values behind the brand are just as strong as the coffee itself. Roughly 90 percent of their beans are Fair Trade certified, and each purchase comes with a verified audit trail that ensures transparency. BRC works directly with trusted partners and farmers to support fair practices and build long-term relationships across the supply chain.

Their staff reflects the same intentionality. The company emphasizes diversity, workplace fairness, and ongoing training that focuses on flavor intuition rather than overreliance on technology. Baristas are taught to develop a feel for brewing and to trust their senses.