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A little bit

About Us

photo of the founders of Merge Coffee

Founded and owned by cousins Charles & Darryl Matthews and sisters Emily and Larisa Martin, our journey began in 2017 with a modest 1lb roaster and a shared passion for the craft of coffee. What started as a humble endeavor in Charles' garage rapidly transformed into a voyage of discovery and mastery.

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After immersing ourselves in the art of roasting, we took our knowledge to the online realm, offering our meticulously roasted coffees to a growing community of coffee enthusiasts. With dedication and precision, we nurtured our roasting, refining our techniques and flavors with each batch.

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photo of the Merge Coffee founders roasting in Charles' garage in the early days
legacy photo of coffee pouring from a french press

In time, our commitment to quality and the pursuit of excellence led us to open our first café in the heart of Harrisonburg, VA. What was once a small-scale venture among friends flourished into a full-fledged passion for ethically sourcing coffees from around the globe and crafting roasts that garnered accolades and high praise from industry experts.​

photo of the interior of Merge Coffee first coffee shop

Today, Merge proudly boasts three thriving cafes in Harrisonburg, VA under the banner "Merge Coffee Company." Our devotion extends beyond just serving exceptional coffee – we are dedicated to enriching our community and sharing our coffee expertise at every step of the coffee journey. Whether you're embarking on your initial exploration of coffee flavors or seeking a finely tuned brew, we are here to guide and inspire you.​​

photo of the exterior of the first Merge Coffee location
photo of the exterior of the second Merge Coffee location
photo of the exterior of the third Merge Coffee location on JMU campus

​​Merge Coffee Roasters is more than a business; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. Join us on this flavorful expedition as we continue to merge cultures, passions, and unparalleled craftsmanship in every cup we serve.

Community

Coffee is more than just a drink—it's a way to connect with both local and global communities. Every sip symbolizes the human bonds that enrich our lives. 

Through our commitment to fostering connections in our cafes, with coffee farmers worldwide, and with our customers, we create spaces where stories are shared and dreams thrive.

Excellence

A commitment to excellence guides all our actions at Merge Coffee Roasters. As members of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), we prioritize the highest standards in the industry. Each bean has its own story to tell and we always strive to highlight the origin characteristics and flavor nuanced that coffee grown with care has to offer.

Ethical Sourcing

We forge genuine connections with farmers, ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices. While we don’t have a globe-trotting team, we partner with local experts to maintain strong relationships with growers around the world. Since we’re building a legacy through our business, we believe it's only right that farmers are paid well enough to invest in their own legacies.

Remarkable Coffee

photo of Darryl & Charles holding medals won in roasting competition

Merge is where exceptional coffee, vibrant community, and unwavering responsibility intertwine. From sourcing the finest beans with a sustainable touch to nurturing connections in our cafes, every cup embodies our values. We're more than a coffee company; we're a shared passion that blends cultures, cultivates relationships, and fuels dreams, providing great coffee to all people at every stage of life.

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