Cafes facing higher expenses are roasting coffee on site to control margins and create new revenue streams. Green bean prices exceeded four dollars per pound in early 2025, while rent, wages and other costs have climbed since the pandemic.
Operators report concrete savings from the shift. Teremok Coffee & Desserts founder Michael Safarov said weekly costs fell by 754 dollars after installing a compact roaster, allowing the machine to be paid off in under six months. The business replaced purchased decaf, drip and cold brew with its own output.