Coffee Helps Build Communities
Ben Schellack is the co-owner of a small but expanding coffee roasting company, Old Queens Coffee, located in New Brunswick and with a unique philosophy of bettering the lives of both those who produce as well as those who consume the coffee.
From a consumer’s perspective, Old Queens Coffee provides high-quality coffee from various sources across the globe, sold within as little time to its roast date as is feasible. For coffee producers, the business brings them a direct relationship with their client and a price that is fair. Schellack always endeavours to meet the growers and have hands-on experience of the coffee beans he buys. In the event that he is unable to visit the farmers, he employs Fair Trade Standards and buys from Sumatra and Rwanda.
Also studying religious studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, Old Queens Coffee’s Schellack aspires to have one day generated enough funds to open a café, where he continues to use his coffee to support and build community.
Schellack also spoke of his own personal experience of coffee. Four years ago he did not drink what he viewed as a rather off-putting black substance, but then he had an espresso in New York and has not looked back. Coffee, in his view, is something unique that connects economics to politics, the international to the local and social customs to religious practices, not to mention the simple pleasure that a cup of coffee brings.
Old Queens Coffee is available online as well as through a variety of outlets in the local area.