Coffee By Design

Portland, ME

Coffee By Design has been a pioneering force in Maine's specialty coffee scene since 1994, when co-founders Alan Spear and Mary Allen Lindemann opened their first coffeehouse on Congress Street in downtown Portland during a recession when vacancy rates reached 40%. What began as a single community hub has evolved into an award-winning coffee company that earned Roast Magazine's prestigious Macro Roaster of the Year award in 2020. The company has built its reputation on three core pillars: exceptional coffee quality, ethical sourcing practices, and unwavering community commitment. From their Diamond Street headquarters, which houses their main roastery and coffeehouse, Coffee By Design serves over 700 wholesale and mail-order customers worldwide while maintaining their role as an inclusive community gathering place for Portland residents and visitors. Coffee By Design's approach to coffee sourcing emphasizes long-term relationships with farmers and cooperatives across three continents, including partnerships in Colombia, Guatemala, India, Burundi, and Rwanda. They focus on economic sustainability at the point of origin, demonstrating their commitment to improving quality of life for coffee-growing communities and future generations. The company has hosted international coffee ceremonies, participated as judges in specialty coffee competitions, and collaborated with organizations like the International Women's Coffee Alliance to promote greater equity in the global coffee community. The company's community involvement extends far beyond coffee, with initiatives like the Rebel Blend Fund that donates one dollar per pound sold to support Maine artists and organizations promoting social change. They have been active supporters of local arts, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant communities, and progressive causes since their founding. Coffee By Design helped jumpstart Portland's "Buy Local" movement in the 1990s and continues to make substantial donations, sponsorships, and volunteer contributions to the local economy. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through partnerships with organizations like Efficiency Maine and their focus on ethical business practices. The roastery operates with strict safety policies following CDC, FDA, and industry recommendations, while roasting coffee to order to ensure optimal freshness for customers. In 2023, the company became 100% woman-owned when Mary Allen Lindemann acquired Alan Spear's shares, reinforcing their commitment to progressive values and diverse leadership. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Coffee By Design maintained their staff and philanthropic efforts, using the pause to identify opportunities for expansion while remaining true to their foundational values. Coffee By Design represents more than just exceptional coffee roasting; they embody a philosophy that coffee can be a catalyst for positive change, community building, and social justice. Their three-decade journey from a single storefront during Portland's economic downturn to an internationally recognized roaster demonstrates how authentic values-driven business practices can create lasting impact in both local and global communities.

Founded

1994

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Available Coffees

1/2 Caf French

Coffee By Design • Portland, ME

$23.00 · $1.44/oz

BlendDark

Half-caf French from Coffee By Design pairs their dark French roast character with a softer caffeine kick. Roasted in Portland, Maine—bold, familiar, and dialed for everyday drip.