There’s something special happening on the northwest corner of the square in Burwell. It’s home to a type of business you don’t normally find in rural Nebraska.
A small batch, specialty coffee roastery. Normal Roasting Company.
Josh and Sara Holmquist source coffee beans from across the globe – Ethiopia, Brazil, Guatemala and beyond – and add their highly trained, personal touch to the roasting process. Their aromatic product then makes its way to about 25 grocery stores, churches and coffee shops across the state as well as to individuals’ door steps across the country.
Sara shares, “Coffee has always been about being together for us. From the beginning of our relationship, we have made it a priority to set time aside to connect over a cup of joe every morning and it has grown into an obsession with coffee culture. When the opportunity arose to begin roasting with NRC founder Kelly Kreger, it was a dream come true. After an extensive training period, we have immersed ourselves in the industry and enjoy every second of it.”
Over the last year and a half, Sara and Josh have implemented various automated systems and upgraded their website so they can focus on the most important part of their business – loving on people and roasting fantastic coffee.
The business’s move from Arcadia, Nebraska, the original location of the roastery, to Burwell has also allowed them to fully immerse their business in their community. They love hosting tours of the roastery and gathering with community members over a cup of hot (or nitro cold brew) coffee. They also enjoy serving their coffees at local events and fundraisers.
Their current building in downtown Burwell will soon see some exciting additions as they transform the front half of their roastery into a coffee shop and retail space within the next year. They also plan to continue growing their business by attending more educational experiences.
While their product can be found in local grocery stores and coffee shops, you can also order online or sign up for a subscription box (which includes as many bags of coffee as you’d like) and get free delivery to businesses in the Ord and Burwell areas on Wednesdays and to the Taylor area on Thursdays. Coffee lovers who don’t live in the area can also get their orders shipped right to their door for a very reasonable shipping rate.
Not only do they recognize the value in creating a unique product that’s easily accessible and encourages people to gather and connect, Josh and Sara also run their business with a philanthropic mindset.
“We brought back last year’s super hot holiday special, Casa, as our holiday blend for 2018. We’ve teamed up with MOPS International to support Latin American MOPS by translating materials so that mommas all over Central and South America are able to connect and become better mommas, which will create stronger families.” NRC’s Casa blend will only be available in November and December!
Order Normal Roasting Company online and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for info on new products, behind the scenes stories and updates on their coffee shop.
Save the date for their December 1, 2018 Open House to get a tour of their roastery and to try their specialty roasted coffee.
