On today, the very last day of the 2021 Build-Outs of Coffee season, we’re visiting Big House Beans in Oakland, CA. Their work focuses on hiring opportunities for those exiting the carceral system, or otherwise experiencing barriers to employment. Sprudge has written previously about the projectย and we’re delighted to see them featured again here on Build-Outs.
As told to Sprudge by John Krause.
The 2021 season of Build-Outs is presented byย Fellow. The series is sponsored byย La Marzocco,ย Pacific Barista Series,ย Marco Beverage Systems,ย Dona, andย Sustainable Harvest.
For those who arenโt familiar, will you tell us about your company?
A coffee roasting company with various cafes. Our mission: Coffee with purpose, creating jobs for people with barriers to employment. Award winning coffees.
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
The new apace started before COVID, which led to a wild ride of a buildout and after nearly two years of various delays and setbacks we were able to open. Our new location features a Modbar espresso and pour-over in a very tastefully designed setting.
Whatโs your approach to coffee?
Coffee should taste as good as it smells. Because coffee is subjective we strive to have a coffee offering that stretches from one end of the spectrum to the other. Our favorite is a Kenya that offers unique and complex tasting notes that keep you on your toes through the whole cup!
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Every new piece of equipment the coffee industry has to offer we tried to incorporate in to our new space. Modbar espresso, Modbar pour-over, exclusive coffees on the pour-over menu from double washed to anaerobic.
How is your project considering sustainability?
Our coffee mostly come from smaller farmers that we have established relationships with that are focused on sustainability at farm level. On a cafe level offering a livable wage with health benefits for full time employees, and creating jobs for people with barriers to employment.
Whatโs your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened September 11, 2021
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youโd like to mention?
Thank you!
The 2021 season of Build-Outs is presented byย Fellow. The series is sponsored byย La Marzocco,ย Pacific Barista Series,ย Marco Beverage Systems,ย Dona, andย Sustainable Harvest.
