Since installing a small-batch coffee roaster, Kate and Colton Klaus, owners of Carnelian Coffee, have seen their business thrive in new ways. The eco-friendly roaster, made by Bellwether Coffee, has become a conversation starter in their Old Colorado City shop and a key factor in expanding their customer base.
“People see the roaster, ask about it, and then they buy coffee,” Colton said. The new equipment has helped them take their business to the next level, not just by improving their product, but also by driving sales.
Kate launched Carnelian Coffee in 2017, naming it after the gemstone that symbolizes creativity, kinship, and vitality. “We focus on creative drinks, local art, and healthy, lower-sugar options,” Kate explained. “We want this to be a space where people can connect, make friends, and enjoy good coffee.”
Roasting their own beans had always been a dream, but the costs of building a separate roasting facility were out of reach. The Bellwether Coffee roaster, which requires no special ventilation or separate facility, solved that problem. It has allowed Carnelian to roast six pounds of coffee at a time, giving them precise control over the product while reducing waste.
With this new capability, Carnelian now ships custom roasts to wholesale customers nationwide, helping the business weather challenging times for small businesses. “It’s been really impactful,” Kate said. “It’s another revenue stream for us.”
The in-house roasting also allows Carnelian to offer more personalized and distinctive flavors. Kate and Colton even traveled to Brazil this year to meet coffee farmers, bringing back samples to share with customers along with the story of the farm’s origins.
The new roaster is electric, making it more sustainable than traditional gas-powered machines, reducing Carnelian’s carbon footprint while helping the business grow. “Our retail sales have probably doubled, if not more,” Kate said, noting the significant impact the new roasting system has had on their business.
Carnelian Coffee continues to build community through both its creative offerings and sustainable practices, and with its expanded reach, it’s poised to keep growing.
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