NORTHBOROUGH – A Historic Mill Transformed into a Hub for Freshly Roasted Coffee
In Northborough, a building steeped in nearly three centuries of history now fills with the rich scent of freshly roasted coffee beans, thanks to Armeno Coffee Roasters.
Originally built in 1727 near Smith Pond, the building started as a mill producing flour and wood. In 1911, the Armeno Cereal Company took over the space, producing wheat and becoming the first U.S. location to make couscous and tabouli. Passed down through three generations, the building evolved when Paul and Kathy Kalenian launched Armeno Coffee Roasters in 1994. Thirty years on, the business is still thriving.
Today, head roaster John Parks and co-owner Chuck Coffman continue the legacy. Parks oversees the roasting process while Coffman manages logistics. Preserving the historic feel of the 18th-century mill, the space retains period agricultural equipment and nods to its cereal-making past. Yet now, the building hums with a different energy as Parks and Coffman roast over 5,000 pounds of coffee beans each week.
The coffee is roasted fresh daily, with nothing left sitting. “I had an espresso machine in my dorm room, which was unusual back then but probably common now. I’ve always been passionate about coffee, buying from local roasters,” Parks shared with the Community Advocate. “When my wife and I moved here, this place opened up, and I started working and investing here. I’ve been here ever since.”
For Parks and Coffman, locally roasted coffee is essential to freshness. Armeno uses 100% Arabica beans, delivered straight to their Northborough location, where every batch is roasted with care and precision. With an “open kitchen” setup, the entire roasting process is visible from the store, offering customers a glimpse into the art and science behind their coffee. Armeno boasts over 50 varieties, from light to dark roasts, each crafted with a commitment to quality.
“It’s just coffee to some, but for us, it’s an art and a science,” Parks explained. He described how they control external heat and airflow through the drum, using a mix of conductive and convective heat. “Hot air slows down the roast and toasts the coffee to our specifications, caramelizing the sugars inside the beans. Even with the best beans, a careful roast makes all the difference.”
Armeno’s selection is designed to please, from popular blends like Cowboy Blend and Wachusett Blend to seasonal specialties like Holiday Cheer, available from November through January.
“We love hearing customer feedback,” said Coffman. “We don’t rely on salespeople; it’s all word of mouth. People come in for a reason, and we enjoy guiding them through our flavors. This is truly a mom-and-pop operation.”
Armeno Coffee Roasters also offers a selection of wines from local vineyards, holding regular wine-tasting events. This pairing of coffee and wine complements their business, attracting a clientele with a shared appreciation for quality.
“It’s a natural fit,” said Parks. “Many of the same descriptors apply, and we find the same customers who seek out specialty coffee often appreciate a fine glass of wine.”
Armeno Coffee Roasters is located at 75 Otis St., Northborough, welcoming customers to experience the craft and passion behind each cup.