The Economics of Roasting Your Own Beans

Many shop owners dream of buying a roaster. It promises higher margins and total control. But is it worth it?

The Pros: Green beans are significantly cheaper than roasted beans ($3-5/lb vs $8-12/lb). You build a unique brand identity that can be wholesaled.

The Cons: The equipment is expensive ($15k+). You need ventilation approvals. You need a skilled roaster person, which takes time away from operations. Plus, you carry the inventory risk.

Verdict: Only roast if you move over 300lbs of coffee a week, or if branding is your primary differentiator.