Atomo, a beanless coffee maker based in Seattle, is celebrating Earth Day by opening a new roastery in its hometown. The 33,547 square-foot facility is capable of producing 90 million cups of coffee per year and marks a new era for the 5-year-old startup. Atomo’s CEO, Andy Kleitsch, says the new roastery will satisfy every delivery method of coffee, including espresso, drip, ready-to-drink, and pods. The first product off the line will be espresso grounds, formulated for use in professional espresso machines.
Atomo has already secured partnerships with coffee shops around the country, such as Bluestone Lane, which has 58 locations. Other independent shops in cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin will also serve Atomo’s espresso. In Seattle, Atomo drinks will be available at Heard Coffee. The company has also received fresh funding from Japanese brewing and distilling company Suntory.
Atomo entered the Seattle coffee scene in 2019 with a unique approach to coffee production. By removing the coffee bean from the process and replacing it with a molecular concoction derived from sustainable, upcycled plant waste ingredients, Atomo aims to reduce the environmental impact of coffee farming. The company’s espresso blend is designed to have tasting notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and graham cracker. Atomo claims that its regular espresso generates 83% less carbon emissions and uses 70% less farmland compared to conventional coffee.
Last year, Atomo underwent a strategic realignment and restructuring, resulting in some layoffs. The company had initially focused on canning different flavors of its “molecular cold brew” but shifted its focus to ramping up production of ground coffee in the new roastery. Kleitsch believes that partnering with established coffee shops and chains is the quickest way to reach more people and make a positive impact on the world. Atomo now employs close to 40 people across various teams and has raised over $53 million from investors.
The opening of the new roastery in Seattle represents a significant milestone for Atomo as it continues to expand its reach and impact in the coffee industry. By offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coffee production, Atomo aims to mitigate the effects of climate change on coffee-growing regions and reduce the environmental impact of coffee farming. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, Atomo is poised to make a positive contribution to the future of coffee consumption.
