America runs on coffee. There’s no denying it. But when you buy coffee, buy local! Forgo those big national chains, and support a local roaster with passion for their coffee art. Need a new spot to get your caffeine fix on? Head straight to Passion House Coffee Roasters {2021 West Fulton Street, K105B, Chicago; 312.733.3998}! Their team, led by Founder Joshua Millman, puts passion in every cup, and has lots of unique roasts you won’t find anywhere else. They are already making their mark in Chicago, and they are just getting started.
DiningOut: How did you first become interested in the world of coffee?
Millman: When I was in high school, Glenbrook North, I was really into the Beatnik Generation. I loved how they would always be discussing life, pushing boundaries, all in cafes. I was 16, needed a job, and I wanted to be in a setting like that. A coffee company had just came to Glenview, Illinois, you may have heard of it, Starbucks, and I had to get a job there. That was my first coffee job, and I fell in love with it right off the bat.
What took you from that interest to wanting to run your own coffee roastery?
I had been in coffee for over 20 years. I learned as much as I could in almost every facet of coffee. After high school, I moved out to Fort Collins, Colorado, and worked in some cafes. From there, I moved to San Diego and helped open and run a cafe in downtown. I learned to service coffee equipment, I was recruited to roast for a great roaster out there. After being away from home for 10 years, I moved back and worked for another roaster in Evanston. Having learned so much, I just never found the right company that aligned with me and how I believed coffee is best portrayed, and function as a company. I pulled up my laces and did whatever I needed to do, and started Passion House eight years ago.
How is Passion House your passion project?
This is funny, because for the past eight years, Passion House has been my livelihood. People would ask me all the time, is this my only job? I had no other option. I wanted my life to be in coffee, and I worked every minute of every day to make this dream become my livelihood. I grew up in coffee, and that was where I wanted to be. Honestly, none of this would have happened if I didn’t have the most amazing and supportive wife and family.
Tell us the company’s philosophy.
Our philosophy is simple: Build a bridge between coffee farmers and enthusiasts through our shared passion for this delicious little seed we call coffee.
What sets Passion House apart from the typical coffee chain?
The customer experience that we create through being engaged, passionate, approachable people whose goal is to leave you feeling happier than when you came to us.
You also have a cafe and wholesale shop. What can people expect from those?
From our cafes, you can expect an incredible experience where you will feel welcomed with open arms, smiling faces, and we are ready to be at your service. From wholesale, you can expect the highest quality roasted coffee and pure professionalism.
How do you find your coffee sources and ensure freshness of the beans?
We search all over the globe with farmers and importers that have similar values to us. We are committed to working with sustainable partners that are committed to sustainable practices, quality, and helping others feel good too.
Why was it important to have your own roastery and to produce small batch coffee?
This is gives us complete control over the coffee and allows us to have fun and experiment. We can buy super small coffee lots that are difficult to get and share them with you.
What is your personal coffee order?
Black coffee; I love tasting the intricate flavors without any thing affecting the flavor.
How does coffee make the perfect start to the day?
For me, it helps to have a cup of coffee and catch my breath before the day envelopes me.
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Passion House Roasters Puts Heart in their Coffee appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.