From A Galena Storefront To The Family Farm
May 21, 2026 · Andrew Carver
The first Mean Bean was a small shop in Galena, Illinois, with a wall of flavors and a lot of opinions. Tourists came for the smell and stayed for the arguing about what to put in the bag.
Fourteen years later the roaster lives on the family farm in Sheffield. Same wall of flavors, same attitude, more room and a lot more orders going out by mail.
The Galena regulars still order. Some of them have been buying the same blend since the first year.
Keep reading
- Roasted To Order: What It Actually Means
Grocery-store coffee was roasted months ago. Ours goes in the roaster after you click buy. Here is why that changes the cup.
- Over 5 Million Flavor Combinations, Explained
Seventy four flavors, stackable up to five at a time, on any base we roast. Here is the math and how to build one that does not taste like a candle.
- Custom Labels For Weddings And Corporate Gifts
Put a face, a logo or a wedding photo on the bag. One bag or five hundred, printed here, roasted here.