Our Story
Metric is a collection of people, stories and places all centered around coffee. We source from established partners, pay high premiums and publish transparency reports to offer real full-spectrum equity. The future of coffee depends on it.
Our Philosophy
We are inspired by doing good and achieving excellence at every corner. Since day one, our philosophy has been twofold: quality coffee and people over profit.
We spend a few months out of the year visiting producers during harvest to witness production, explore farms and connect the pieces to bring home quality coffee that we are proud to serve. Our commitment to people comes from sourcing coffee that is tied to a sustainable income. For producers, this means that after the cost of production, they are able to make a profit and reinvest it in their land, healthcare and family needs. For our staff in Chicago, it means competitive wages, health insurance and paid time off. Anything that involves people and coffee — we breathe, live and own it.
Metric’s History
Chicago, 2012. It began over late-night beer and tacos in Wicker Park. We had both been working in the coffee industry for several years, but felt it was time to run a company of our own. We didn't have money, much less equipment, but we had visions of developing meaningful relationships with coffee producers, establishing a solid roasting program, and building the café of our dreams.
In March of 2013, we found a space in Chicago's West Fulton neighborhood and officially launched Metric as a wholesaler and online retailer. In the years since, we've grown organically into a roaster and retailer with a strong emphasis on sourcing, quality roasting, and service.
Today, Metric employs a small staff of coffee professionals dedicated to quality engagements, education and authenticity.