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We are Matt and Jill McLaughlin, born and raised in the Illinois Valley with Starved Rock State Park as our neighbor. We met in high school, got married in 2001, and have been raising our family in the same community that made us who we are. Our lives have never been ordinary. And we would not have it any other way.
At Starved Rock Coffee Company, we believe that an extraordinary day starts with an exceptional cup of coffee. A cup you can feel good about drinking. One that warms your soul, awakens your senses, and is carefully and thoughtfully crafted from bean to bag.
We launched Starved Rock Coffee Company in the fall of 2017 with a simple goal: to bring the specialty coffee experience to our community. Before our first bag ever shipped, we received training and invaluable knowledge from specialty coffee legend Victor Mondry in Madison, Wisconsin. Through Victor we learned not just the roasting process, but how to source ethical, high-quality beans from farmers who are well paid and highly respected for their craft.
We started at local markets and through our online store. Before long we were partnering with coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores who valued our expertise and hands-on approach. Today we have cafe and retail partners throughout the country and loyal customers around the globe who trust us as their coffee source.
We are proudly recognized for our French Canyon Espresso Blend by the Golden Bean Competition, one of the most prestigious specialty coffee competitions in the world. Coffees are judged blind by a panel of experts on aroma, flavor, balance, sweetness, acidity, body, aftertaste, and overall quality. We medaled in the milk-based espresso category. It was a moment that affirmed what we have believed from the beginning: that exceptional coffee, roasted with intention and sourced with care, speaks for itself.
Growing up with Starved Rock State Park as our neighbor gave us a deep appreciation for this remarkable corner of Illinois. The canyons and trails each tell a unique story and awaken feelings of adventure, wonder, and anticipation. We hope to connect those emotions to our coffee with each distinct roast. Every blend we create is the result of extreme care and attention, mindfully dialing in the body, sweetness, acidity, and flavor profile to create a balanced cup that leaves coffee lovers with something extraordinary in their daily ritual.
We source high-quality Arabica beans from around the world, from farmers who are well respected for their craft. The coffee is roasted carefully and delicately to preserve the natural beauty and flavor profile of each origin. The result is a balanced cup with the perfect amount of acidity and sweetness, nothing forced, nothing hidden.
Small batch roasting is not just a label for us. It is how we maintain the quality and consistency our customers and partners have come to expect. Every bag that leaves our roastery carries our name and our reputation.
As a family-owned business, we know our customers and partners personally. We answer phone calls and emails. When something needs attention, you are talking directly to the people who own the company, not a corporate call center.
But do not mistake family-owned for small-minded, or small batch for small scale. We have built Starved Rock Coffee Company to serve everyone from independent cafes to large multi-location operations. We roast award-winning coffee, ship daily, provide dependable fulfillment, offer barista training, equipment sales and solutions, and custom coffee programs designed to grow alongside our partners. We have the flexibility to adapt, the experience to deliver consistency, and the capacity to handle large volume accounts without sacrificing quality or service.
When you choose Starved Rock Coffee Company, you get the capabilities of a large supplier with the personal commitment only a family business can provide. Because great coffee is important, but so is knowing the people behind it.
Shop our signature blends, start a subscription, or reach out about wholesale partnership. We would love to hear from you.
