Coffee Ethic launches subscriptions, e-commerce

SBJ photo by Geoff Pickle

The Coffee Ethic is expanding its business beyond its downtown Springfield shop.

The Coffee Ethic LLC is boosting its territory beyond downtown Springfield with the launch of subscription and e-commerce services.

Through an in-house roaster at the 124 Park Central Square shop, officials led by Coffee Ethic owner Michelle Billionis and head roaster Nathan Murphy prepare raw beans acquired outside of the United States in countries including Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia. In addition to wholesale, the company recently added the new services to complement its existing business of coffee sold by the cup and in bags to walk-in customers.

At the shop this morning, Murphy said he currently roasts around 1,000 pounds of coffee beans a month.

“E-commerce in general is a big market across any business,” he said, noting former customers who have moved away from the market have inquired about purchasing the beans online.

Subscriptions for The Coffee Ethic’s House Blend and Ethikos Espresso Blend run about $20 per month. Weekly and semimonthly options also are available.

Billionis and Murphy were not at the shop this morning to comment on expanded business services. Billionis took the reins of the business after her husband, Coffee Ethic co-founder Tom Billionis, died unexpectedly in 2016 at the age of 44.

The Coffee Ethic isn’t the only local roaster providing wholesale and subscription services.

Got Your Six Coffee Co. LLC and No Coast Coffee also provide subscriptions, and companies such as Brick & Mortar Coffee and Copper Canyon Coffee Roaster have built their business through the wholesale model.