The Story of aRoastia
It started with a popcorn machine
I was pretty fanatical about my coffee and diving pretty deep into the world of specialty coffee when the pandemic hit. Like many, I figured I'd use my "me time" to learn to make bread, but then the algorithm showed me a video that said if you have a hot air popcorn machine, you can roast coffee.
Many set off smoke alarms later, I moved from the popcorn machine to a more suitable and capable home roaster. I spent a couple of years teaching myself all I could about roasting, and on the way discovered that I really love roasting coffee not just for myself, but other people too. I realized that coffee was the aspect of my life making me the happiest, so in 2023, after working for the City of New York for over 22 years I left my job to start aRoastia. Now I use production roasters and can make the coffee I love available to everyone.
Queens baby, through and through
I like to say that everything about aRoastia is local, except for the beans (and that's a good thing... Queens grown coffee should not be on anyone's to-do list.) Born and raised here, Queens is as much a part of my identity as anything. I grew up in Fresh Meadows and now live in Astoria. I passed Shea Stadium every day in middle school and after games I would celebrate/cry at Lemon Ice King of Corona. My wife and I have now lived in Astoria for 10 years, and love being a part of this community.
Also, if Alex Cohen and/or Steve Cohen and/or anyone involved with the Mets is reading, adding an aRoastia stand at Citi Field could very well help caffeinate a championship.
Coffee Likes Music
When you drink coffee from aRoastia, know that the beans you're using listened to some quality tunes. I'm a live music fan (personal best: 210 concerts in 2019), and there are few things more enjoyable than a great album and a great cup of coffee. After each roast I share links online and on instagram of what the coffee listened to, should you be so inclined.