George Howell Coffee
ActiveOverview
George Howell Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe chain founded by coffee pioneer George Howell. It focuses on single-origin beans and direct trade relationships with farms, contributing to the third wave coffee movement. The company operates a roastery in Acton, Massachusetts, and cafes in Boston-area locations including Newbury Street and the Boston Public Market.
History
George Howell began his coffee career in 1974 with The Coffee Connection cafe in Cambridge's Harvard Square, expanding to 24 stores before selling to Starbucks in 1994. He founded George Howell Coffee in 2004 with a roastery in Acton, Massachusetts. The first cafe opened in 2012, followed by expansion to additional Boston locations.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single Origin Coffees | High-quality, farm-specific beans | $20 - $30 per 12oz bag |
| Blends | Balanced house blends | $18 - $25 per 12oz bag |
| Espresso | Specialty espresso roasts | $20 - $28 per 12oz bag |
| Brewing Gear | Coffee accessories and equipment | $20 - $100 |
Manufacturing
Products are roasted in-house at the roastery located at 312 School Street in Acton, Massachusetts. Green beans are sourced directly from farms, with roasting emphasizing single-origin profiles.
Notable Products
- Frappuccino - Iced coffee drink originated at The Coffee Connection using a soft serve machine.
- Acton Roastery Single Origins - Seasonal single-origin coffees roasted on-site in Acton.
- Harvard Square Legacy Blends - Blends inspired by early Coffee Connection offerings.
Reputation
George Howell is recognized by coffee professionals as a pioneer of specialty coffee and the third wave movement, credited with innovations like the Frappuccino and emphasis on direct trade. Enthusiasts praise the quality of single-origin offerings and transparency in sourcing. Some note higher pricing compared to mainstream roasters, though quality justifies it for aficionados.