Our Story
EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH OUR FARMERS
Our journey starts at origin, where we travel to connect with the farmers behind each cup of coffee we serve.
We believe direct trade is more than just sourcing—it’s about forging lasting relationships with the people who dedicate years to perfecting their crop. By working side-by-side with these growers, we support their commitment to quality, sustainability, and continual improvement. Together, we build more than coffee—we build trust.
ROASTED WITH LOVE IN NYC
Since 2015, we’ve been roasting our coffee in Long Island City, where craft and consistency come together. Each coffee we source is given its own unique roasting profile—because every region, every farm, every coffee, deserves thoughtful attention.
From the bright florals of Ethiopia to the deep chocolate notes of Guatemala and Brazil, we tailor each roast to bring out the best in every origin. It’s a process deeply rooted in care, precision, and a whole lot of love. From our roastery to your cup, we’re proud to call New York City home.
THE HANDS THE HANDS
Every cup of coffee is a story written by many hands. After it passes from the farmers to the harvesters to the processors, to the exporters and our team of dedicated roasters. Its final step is in the hands of our dedicated baristas before it finds its way into yours. Every hand along the way adds value, intention, and purpose - a shared journey from crop to cup, made possible by human connection.
THE BIRCH GUYS
Jeremy Lyman and Paul Schlader—aka the Birch Guys—met in a 12-step program in 2005 and quickly bonded over their shared love of hospitality, human connection, and really good coffee.
With a few generous loans from friends and family and a prematurely cashed bar mitzvah bond from Jeremy, they opened the first Birch Coffee shop in 2009. It was simple yet charming, but just chaotic enough to convince them they were onto something.
Paul has spent the last decade-plus diving deep into the world of coffee. He travels regularly to origin to build relationships with farmers, obsess over processing methods, and ensure every coffee Birch brings in has a story and a soul. A family man and mid-westerner, Paul brings a level of kindness and magnetism to Birch Coffee that makes it second to none.
Jeremy, on the other hand, has focused on what happens once the coffee hits the cup. Whether it's building beautiful, welcoming spaces, or obsessing over the customer experience, his passion for creating both literal and metaphorical space is his passion. While he'd gladly talk shop for hours, he’d probably rather talk about his dogs.
Giving Back
Since we started our business in 2009, one of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that is far more important to give than to receive. It’s become the fabric of our ethos on a multitude of levels. With the service we provide our customers, we have found another level of service which is equally as rewarding.
Over the years, we’ve developed a multitude of relationships we are extremely proud of. One of those is working with budding business owners across the country to help them navigate the challenging of opening a coffee shop.
We also work with Coffee Fest, a coffee industry trade show where we share the wealth of knowledge we've amassed over the years so that people don't have to make the same mistakes we made. We do this purely because we love it.
BULLY BLEND
In early 2019 we created the Bully Blend, a phenomenal coffee blend we created where all profits,, that’s right 100% of them, not 5%, not 20% go towards pitbull rescue. Jeremy, one of the founders has two adopted pitbulls and has developed a newfound respect for the breed and the misrepresentation they receive.
Birch works with the Muddy Paws, a local rescue by giving exposure to all the available dogs for adoption in all of our stores. We also work with Angel City PitBulls, a rescue in Los Angeles, where we send all of our Bully Blend profits.
Careers
WORK WITH BIRCH
Do you have what it takes to brew some of the best coffee on the planet? Are people often complimenting you on your diction and vocal range? Does the phrase, “Hi, welcome to Birch Coffee” roll off your tongue like butter? Well then you might want to apply with us HERE.
We’re proud to be counted among some of the best coffee roasters in Manhattan and we value all our team members who are responsible for serving it to thousands of New Yorkers every day. In addition to learning the best free pour this side of the Hudson, you’ll be joining a family of baristas who make the most out of life in the City.
