Who brought custom coffee roasting to North America?

Alfred Peet was instrumental in bringing custom coffee roasting to North America. He pioneered the concept of small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting, focusing on quality and flavor. By importing high-quality green coffee beans and roasting them in small batches, Peet introduced a new standard for coffee in the United States during the 1960s. His approach influenced a generation of coffee enthusiasts and vendors, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the specialty coffee movement.

Peet’s emphasis on freshness and quality set him apart from the traditional coffee industry practices at the time, which often focused on mass production and lower-quality beans. His contributions not only changed how coffee was consumed but also inspired others in the industry, including figures who founded Starbucks. Thus, Alfred Peet's legacy continues to resonate, highlighting the importance of artisan methods in coffee preparation and appreciation in North America.