This month we are heading back to the east coast to Atomic Coffee Roasters from Salem, MA. Atomic is “old” for a coffee roaster, being launched back in 1993 by two brothers who were professional cyclists. They’ve grown and changed a lot over time, eventually branching out from just a cafe to a company that roasts coffee to order and buys only the best coffee out there.

Atomic wasn’t very impressed with the transparency of their importers when they first starting buying green coffee. They’ve moved on to companies that help them understand where their money is going and how they are taking care of their producers. They purchase specialty grade coffee and generally pay far more for their coffee than Fair Trade prices.

In addition to their passion for coffee, Atomic has always been passionate about their community. They often collaborate with local artists, donate to local non-profits, and use their coffee and cafe to build a welcoming community in Massachusetts.