Denim Coffee: Brewing Community and Quality Since 2011

In 2011, coffee lovers Matt and Kristin Ramsay turned their passion into a thriving business. The couple met at Shippensburg University – where Matt worked as a barista – and soon their shared love for both coffee and community led them to start the original Denim Coffee in Shippensburg, PA.

Initially a coffee roasting business, Denim Coffee soon expanded into a shared artist space. It was there that they met their business partner, Tony Diehl, whose marketing expertise enabled them to open their first true coffee shop in Carlisle in 2017. Today, Diehl is a co-owner, and Denim Coffee boasts six locations and a large headquarters for production.

Denim Coffee’s name symbolizes the universal appeal of both jeans and coffee. Just as denim is worn by people from all walks of life, coffee is enjoyed by a diverse range of individuals. The Ramsays believe in the beauty of coffee shops as community spaces where people can connect, regardless of their backgrounds. This same inclusive spirit lies at the heart of Denim Coffee’s mission.

Denim Coffee employs approximately 65 people and relies on a network of external partners to keep operations running smoothly. Matt Ramsay emphasizes the interconnectedness of their business, highlighting the many people and services that contribute to their success. 

“It’s amazing how many people you rely on – from insurance to dairy farmers and distributors to truck drivers,” he says. “If you want to appreciate how connected we all are, become an entrepreneur! You will soon discover how dependent your life is on the work of thousands of people. Not everyone is a stakeholder, per se, but I’m super grateful for everyone who helps us in our mission.”

Denim Coffee stands out among its competitors because of its commitment to quality, consistency, and scale in its coffee roasting. These principles attract corporate clients who value reliable, high-quality coffee.

Denim Coffee also offers innovative solutions, including flash-chilled coffee kegs for offices, cafes, and restaurants. This unique process results in cold coffee with exceptional clarity and vibrancy, which is available on demand through convenient kegerator kits. In fact, the PA Chamber office boasts one of these kegs so the team can enjoy hot or cold coffee on demand at any time of day, without brewing time or waste. 

In addition to their wholesale offerings, Denim Coffee’s retail shops feature fresh baked goods from their in-house bakery, as well as an Italian-style espresso menu. The focus on quality and consistency is evident in every cup served.

Looking ahead, Denim Coffee is expanding with a new shop in Lancaster and plans for a second, larger shop in Harrisburg. Their goal is to reach 10 locations, which will enable the company to source coffee directly from farmers, fostering long-term relationships and fairer compensation for growers. This direct trade approach has been a dream for Matt since the company’s inception.

Denim Coffee is also growing its wholesale business, offering equipment, training, and the flash-chill line. Future plans include canning coffee on-site, further enhancing their product offerings.

Denim Coffee’s journey from a small roasting business to a multi-location coffee company is a testament to the Ramsays’ dedication to quality, community and innovation. With a love for crafting a quality product, a dedication to sustainable sourcing, and ambitious plans, Denim Coffee continues to brew success, one cup at a time.