Sightglass Coffee is an independent, sibling-owned coffee company based in San Francisco, dedicated to sourcing and serving high-quality coffee. Founded in 2009, the company began as a modest coffee service cart operating in the SoMa district. Its commitment to quality and craftsmanship quickly resonated with the community, leading to the establishment of their production roastery and coffee bar in a 1914 warehouse, which has evolved into a vibrant gathering space for coffee enthusiasts.
At Sightglass, coffee is viewed as a seasonal fruit, a philosophy that drives their meticulous sourcing practices. They place significant emphasis on direct relationships with coffee growers, allowing them to ensure that the beans are freshly harvested from origin. The company employs small production methods, enabling them to refine their roasting techniques, which are guided by sensory cues such as smell, sound, and color.
The essence of their brand stems from their name, derived from the 'sightglass' on their vintage PROBAT coffee roaster, symbolizing transparency in the roasting process. Sightglass Coffee believes that knowing the origin and story behind each cup of coffee enhances the connection customers have with their beverages, making each sip a part of a larger narrative.
Roasting at Sightglass is considered an art, and they focus on small-batch production to honor the unique characteristics of each coffee bean. Their team collaborates closely with farmers and sourcing partners to express the intentions behind each coffee through their roasting techniques.
Sightglass also champions sustainability and community support through various initiatives aimed at empowering smallholder farmers while ensuring environmentally friendly practices. The company’s ethos is not just about brewing coffee; it’s about fostering relationships with producers and consumers, sharing distinctive flavors, and uplifting the community through a shared passion for quality coffee.