Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co.

Sacramento, California is home to many vibrant coffee shops and roasters, but one establishment stands out among the rest. Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co., owned by Donovan Albert, has taken the local coffee scene by storm. In a recent conversation with Donovan, we delved into his journey as a coffee entrepreneur and discovered how a revolutionary tool called the Bellweather has transformed the way he approaches coffee roasting.

Donovan Albert, the owner of Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co., exudes passion and dedication to providing excellent coffee while minimizing the impact on the environment. "We pride ourselves on providing great coffee to great people without sacrificing the environment," Donovan affirms. This commitment to quality and sustainability has shaped his business philosophy and led him to explore innovative solutions.

The Bellwether Series 2, a cutting‑edge all‑electric coffee roasting system, has played a pivotal role in Donovan's quest for incredible and sustainable coffee. Initially skeptical, Donovan now asserts that the Bellwether is shaping the future of coffee. "I've seen a huge difference in the way that people drink coffee, and I've seen a huge difference in the way that I approach coffee. That is because of the Bellwether," Donovan enthuses.

Versatility.

What sets the Bellwether Series 2 apart is its versatility. Whether you're a novice looking to provide a great cup to customers or an experienced coffee aficionado seeking to delve into the intricate chemistry of coffee roasting, the Bellwether caters to all. Donovan highlights, "With the Bellwether, it can be as simple as you want it to be, and that's the beauty of it." The system allows beginners to create exceptional coffee effortlessly, while also granting experts the freedom to experiment and fine‑tune their roast profiles.

Consistency.

Consistency is paramount in the coffee industry, and the Bellwether Series 2 excels in this regard. By eliminating variables and providing a reference curve, it enables roasters to track their progress accurately and maintain a consistent product. Donovan emphasizes, "Having the ability to take out that variable... and honestly provide something that's not the same that you've been providing to your customers—that's what's really important to me."

Sustainability.

Beyond its technical capabilities, the Bellwether has opened doors for Donovan to connect with coffee producers at a deeper level. When sourcing green coffee, he values the insights the Bellwether provides into the farms' stories and origins. For instance, Donovan expresses his appreciation for Honduran coffees that support gender equality initiatives in the coffee farming industry. This newfound knowledge allows him to curate a unique and impactful coffee selection for his customers.

Becoming a Roaster.

Donovan's journey with the Bellwether began as a leap of faith. Starting a business can be daunting, but he was determined to make it work. "People ask me all the time if it's scary to quit your full‑time job and start a business. I say, yes, it is, but I chose the right tools and the right people to do it. And Bellwether Coffee is that," Donovan affirms. Bellwether's software‑driven approach aligned perfectly with Donovan's background in coffee roasting intelligence software and his passion for teaching and educating others.

Embracing the Bellwether roaster has allowed Donovan to grow at his own pace, and the results have been astounding. In just one month, his Honduran coffee offering climbed to the top 20 in sales at a prominent Sacramento Natural Foods Co‑op store. Donovan's ability to educate and engage customers with the help of the Bellwether's intuitive interface and roast curves has been transformative. "By the end of it, they all say, 'I didn't think I knew anything about coffee, and now I feel like I can leave and actually hold a conversation with somebody in coffee,'" Donovan shares proudly.

One Cup at a Time.

Anchor and Tree Coffee Roasting Co. continues to thrive, attracting coffee lovers from near and far who are eager to experience Donovan's passion and the extraordinary flavors he creates with the help of the Bellwether. Donovan Albert and Bellwether Coffee are leading the charge towards a more sustainable, consistent, and inclusive coffee culture—one cup at a time.