History

Within 6 months of opening the café, we had purchased and installed an in-store roaster, and completed our specialized training in Idaho. Our thinking was that crafting our own coffee as a micro-roaster would allow us to elevate the quality of coffee we served in the café, and that the roaster would add some uniqueness and interest for our customers. We were half right! The roaster was too big, too noisy and too hot for the 123 year-old Seven Main building, so after 12 months we moved the roasting operation to a nearby industrial building.

Our first batch of coffee was roasted in January 2001 for use in the café. Indeed most of the blends we sell today were developed in the first few years based on experimentation and daily feedback from customers in the café who were never shy about offering their opinions. Our philosophy of sourcing the best beans and creating distinctively Canadian blends inspired by the splendour of Muskoka has never wavered, but in the end our consumers selected our portfolio.

Our first commercial customer orders were for 20 pounds each and were shipped to Bartlett Lodge and the Algonquin Gallery in May 2001. After 11 years of micro-roasting, we are delighted to say that both Algonquin Park establishments remain loyal customers. The success we have enjoyed to date has been a direct result of the tremendous support we have received from our customers; first in Muskoka and, increasingly, throughout Ontario. For that we are most thankful.

In 2008, we moved the Muskoka Roastery into a purpose-designed building in Huntsville that would meet all our needs for years to come. Three years later we were bursting at the seams and expanded the roastery yet again to keep up ith demand. In April 2010, we sold Seven Main Café in order to focus 100% of our time on the Roastery.

All in all, an eventful first 11 years. We are proud and humbled that so many have chosen to make the Muskoka Roastery Coffee Company their personal choice and to recommend us to friends…we do not take this loyalty for granted. We are also excited about the prospects for the future and hope that you will join us for the ride!