When it comes to craft coffee, few names stand out like Merit Coffee Roaster. Founded by Robbie and Jennifer Grubbs, Merit Coffee has carved out a space in the specialty coffee world by combining passion, precision, and a commitment to quality.

From their early days in San Antonio to their current expansion, the founders' journey is a testament to the power of dedication in creating a brand synonymous with some of the best coffee in Texas.

The Early Days of Merit Coffee

Merit Coffee's roots stretch back to 2009, when Robbie Grubbs set out with a clear goal: bring fair sourced and perfectly roasted coffee beans to San Antonio. With a background in hospitality, Grubbs wasn’t just aiming for good coffee; he wanted to create a complete experience where coffee lovers could explore the depth and complexity of specialty coffee.

This vision became real in Merit Cafe, the brand’s store. It quickly turned into a place for casual coffee drinkers and devoted fans.

The Merit Coffee Roaster is committed to using Fair Trade coffee where possible, ensuring the farmers are treated fairly and equitably compensated for their labor. This ethical approach to sourcing is part of what has set Merit apart from its competitors.

Growing Into a Coffee Powerhouse

What began as a small operation in San Antonio has grown into a regional success story. With a growing list of cafes, including locations in Austin and Dallas, Merit coffee now boasts a roster of loyal customers. The brand’s expertly roasted coffee beans have garnered attention beyond Texas, making it a must-try for coffee lovers around the country.

As part of our Bright Bean Coffee subscription, we proudly include Merit coffee among the roasters featured in our surprise selections, ensuring customers receive fresh roasted, top-tier beans delivered to their door.

The brand's emphasis on quality isn’t limited to the coffee itself. Robbie and his team have been focused on crafting an environment where coffee can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Every Merit Cafe is designed to be a welcoming space, where the sensory experience of drinking coffee is just as important as the beverage in your cup.

In 2022, Merit Coffee took a significant step forward, moving into their new headquarters in San Antonio. This larger, state-of-the-art facility allows the company to scale its operations and further refine its roasting techniques.This new facility underscores Merit's commitment to excellence, providing the perfect environment for innovation and the continued growth of the brand.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Merit Coffee's growth is rooted in its dedication to the core values of quality and sustainability. By maintaining close relationships with farmers, Robbie ensures that Merit Coffee Roaster only sources the best possible coffee beans. The company works with farms that prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint while delivering top-tier specialty coffee to customers.

Moreover, the roasting process itself is treated as an art form at Merit. Every batch of beans is carefully roasted to bring out its unique flavor profile, whether it’s a rich Colombian Roast, a fruity Ethiopian coffee or a nutty Brazilian roast. It’s this attention to detail that has made Merit one of the go-to choices for those seeking the best coffee experience in Texas and beyond.

With our Bright Bean Coffee subscription, coffee lovers can enjoy Merit’s great roasts. These are delivered in our special surprise selections.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for Merit Coffee?

With a rapidly expanding presence and new opportunities on the horizon, the future looks bright for Merit Coffee. The brand continues to push the envelope with its commitment to quality, offering customers a way to explore different regions and flavors through their retail locations and roasting efforts.

As the company grows, Robbie Grubbs remains dedicated to his original mission: to provide incredible coffee and to create spaces where people can gather, share experiences, and enjoy a perfect cup.

When you visit a Merit Cafe or enjoy their beans through a coffee subscription, you get more than just coffee. You join a community that values quality, sustainability, and the joy of a well-made cup.

Final Thoughts

The story of Merit Coffee Roaster is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From a small operation in San Antonio to a thriving coffee empire with national reach, Merit has stayed true to its mission of delivering high-quality, ethically sourced, fresh roasted coffee beans.

Whether you’re a regular at a Merit Cafe or part of our Bright Bean Coffee surprise subscription, one thing is clear: Merit Coffee is at the forefront of the specialty coffee movement. Together with Equator coffee roaster, Devocion coffee, Verve Coffee Roaster and many more thay are changinth the way we drink coffee and they show no signs of slowing down.