CARSON CITY, NV (JUNE 29, 2026) — The San Franciscan Roaster Company, a longtime American manufacturer of handcrafted commercial coffee roasting equipment, has entered a new era under the ownership of manufacturing executive Dave Marson, with Matthew Sewell appointed Chief Executive Officer.
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Founded in 1992 The San Franciscan Roaster Company has built commercial coffee roasters used by specialty coffee professionals across the United States and internationally. Known throughout the industry for its handcrafted drum roasters, responsive customer support and deep connection to coffee roasting culture, the company will continue manufacturing its existing product lines while investing in operations, customer experience and long-term growth.
The transition follows the passing of longtime owner, President and CEO Bill Kennedy, whose influence helped shape both the company and the broader specialty coffee community for a generation of roasters. Marson brings decades of manufacturing and operational leadership experience to the company. Throughout his career, he has led the growth and transformation of multiple food and consumer product businesses, including Nature’s Bakery and Marson Foods. His background in advanced manufacturing and operational excellence will help guide future investments in production capabilities, process improvement and long-term manufacturing stability.
“This company means a great deal to a lot of people,” said Dave Marson, owner of The San Franciscan Roaster Company. “There is real history here, real craftsmanship and real loyalty from customers who believed in this brand for decades. Our responsibility now is to stabilize the company, support customers, strengthen operations and manufacture the best possible products. We are committed to honoring what made this company special while building the foundation necessary for its future.”
Marson said he was drawn to the company’s reputation within the specialty coffee industry, the quality of its products and the opportunity to invest in a brand with significant long-term potential. To lead the company’s next phase of growth, Marson appointed Matthew Sewell as Chief Executive Officer.
Sewell returns to the company after previously holding engineering and operational leadership roles connected to San Franciscan’s manufacturing history. He later advanced into executive manufacturing leadership positions, including Vice President of Manufacturing at AEONrv, where he oversaw large-scale production and operational initiatives. Sewell is also an accomplished coffee roaster, having previously founded a roastery and winning a Good Food Award for coffee in 2015.
Together, Marson and Sewell have begun implementing a strategic plan focused on strengthening operations, supporting customers, investing in manufacturing capabilities and positioning the company for sustainable long-term growth.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with carrying this name forward,” said Matthew Sewell, CEO of The San Franciscan Roaster Company. “This company helped build businesses, launch careers and shape coffee programs around the world. Our goal is to deliver exceptional equipment, support our customers and build an organization positioned to serve the industry for decades to come. We are investing in the future while preserving the quality and craftsmanship that made San Franciscan respected throughout the industry.”
Immediate priorities include:● Strengthening manufacturing operations and internal infrastructure● Supporting existing customers and delivering on commitments● Strengthening customer confidence through communication, accountability and execution● Addressing inherited operational and financial obligations● Expanding modernization and automation capabilities across product lines● Investing in educational programming and customer training● Refreshing the company’s website, sales materials and digital platforms● Preserving the craftsmanship, design and roasting experience the brand is known for
Since assuming ownership, leadership has focused on evaluating operations, supporting customers, addressing outstanding obligations and building the foundation for the company’s next phase of growth. The transition also includes continued support from members of the existing team, including Paris Kennedy, who remains with the company and continues to support customer relationships, communications, training and industry engagement. Additional updates regarding products, educational initiatives, partnerships and the company’s long-term vision will be shared in the months ahead.
About The San Franciscan Roaster CompanyFounded in 1992, The San Franciscan Roaster Company is an American manufacturer of handcrafted commercial coffee roasting equipment based in Carson City, Nevada. The company produces roasting systems used by specialty coffee professionals across the United States and internationally. Under new ownership and leadership, The San Franciscan Roaster Company remains focused on preserving its legacy while investing in the future of coffee roasting through manufacturing innovation, customer support, and industry education.
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