How It All Started

In 2015, childhood friends Patrick Neal and Ryan Beagley-Reiner founded Common Good Coffee Roasters in San Diego, California. Their inspiration started from the simple desire to see truly good coffee become more common and to make coffee that worked for the good of everyone involved.

Ryan recalled their early motivation, stating, “We looked around us and saw that so many of the smaller, owner-operated cafes and restaurants were selling coffee severely lacking in flavor and uniqueness, and coffee that was almost always over-roasted. On top of that, few people knew where their coffee came from and how the producers were compensated… I had been roasting at home and researching the coffee supply chain and thought, we can do this, let’s get these people better coffee.”

Having worked for both "big-brand" coffee corporations and specialty coffee establishments, Pat and Ryan envisioned merging the best of both worlds. CGC aimed to deliver the accessibility of corporate coffee with the transparency, ethics, and quality embodied in specialty coffee—a vision that sets CGC apart in the diverse world of coffee.

At the core of CGC's vision is a commitment to roasters and baristas openly sharing their coffee sourcing and knowledge, consumers understanding the intricate process behind their brew, and coffee producers receiving fair compensation for their high-quality beans. It's not just about specialty coffee; it's about Coffee for the Common Good—an approach that distinguishes CGC in the coffee landscape.

To achieve exceptional quality, CGC collaborates with specialty coffee importers and cooperatives to source green coffee beans that not only meet but surpass specialty coffee standards. These beans, selected for their exceptional flavors, traceability, and ethical sourcing, undergo small-batch roasting. Each batch receives meticulous attention to bring out the unique characteristics of its origin, ensuring that every cup brings a smile to the consumer's face.

However, CGC is more than just a coffee company—it's a philanthropically focused entity. It believes that good coffee should benefit everyone involved, from the farms where it's grown to the communities served by business owners, roasters, and baristas.

Supporting various non-profits and initiatives, CGC invites patrons to join them in making the world a better place. The emphasis is on collaboration, urging individuals to partner on causes that matter, underlining the belief that collective efforts can achieve much more.

Recognizing the pivotal role of coffee shops in shaping the coffee experience, CGC extends its commitment to quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing to these establishments. It's not just about being a supplier; it's about being a partner in the pursuit of excellence, providing coffee shops with a product that stands out in its quality, uniqueness, and commitment to Specialty Coffee.

In the realm of coffee, the term "roast" takes on a dual significance—it's not just about the roasting process but also about the passion and commitment to making a positive impact. CGC's roast is more than the transformation of green coffee beans; it's a symbolic representation of the transformation they aim to bring to the entire coffee industry.

The journey begins with the selection of green coffee beans, where CGC's commitment to quality shines through. Partnering with reputable specialty coffee importers and cooperatives ensures that the beans chosen are not only of the highest quality but also sourced in a manner that respects the producers and the environment.

The roasting process at CGC is a craft, an art form. Small-batch roasting allows for the careful calibration of time and temperature, bringing out the nuanced flavors inherent in each origin. The result is not just a cup of coffee; it's a sensory experience that transports the drinker to the very region where the coffee beans were grown.

The focus on fair compensation for coffee producers reflects CGC's commitment to fostering sustainability and ensuring that the benefits of the coffee industry are shared equitably. Beyond the nuances of coffee flavor profiles and brewing techniques, CGC's story is one of conscious capitalism and social responsibility.

As a company that recognizes the interconnectedness of the global coffee community, CGC takes deliberate steps to contribute to positive change. The philanthropic focus aligns with the broader trend in the coffee industry, where consumers seek products that align with their values. By supporting various non-profits and initiatives, CGC not only contributes to meaningful causes but also invites patrons to be part of the journey.

In conclusion, Common Good Coffee Roasters is not just a brand; it's a movement—a movement to redefine the coffee experience, to elevate the standards of quality, and to contribute to a better world. Through meticulous sourcing, a commitment to Specialty Coffee standards, and a steadfast dedication to ethical practices, CGC invites coffee lovers, coffee shops, and communities alike to join in creating a positive and sustainable future—one cup of coffee at a time.