J.Rene Coffee Roasters Named 2019 CT SBA’s Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Coffee and community go hand-in-hand. No memorable cup of coffee is possible without the assistance of several parties, from the farmers to the roasters to the baristas.
José René Martinez, owner and head roaster at J.René Coffee Roasters, understands this concept all too well. On top of owning and operating a coffee shop, he is an avid traveler, lawyer, and most recently, the recipient of Connecticut’s Small Business Association “Minority-Owned Business of the Year” award.
José René Martinez while traveling to origin in the Limu region of Ethiopia.
About José René Martinez
Growing up in the South Bronx with a Puerto Rican heritage, José René developed a strong sense of community early on. He credits his early experiences as the foundation of his desire to always have a positive impact on the community, whether through coffee or his other professional endeavors.
José René began roasting in 2006 when he stumbled upon a coffee roaster and was mesmerized by the captivating aromas and process. A few days later, he found himself pouring his heart and soul into coffee roasting through endless research, classes, and instruction.
As a result of this steadfast dedication and curiosity, José René worked his way up to become a renowned roaster and coffee “Q” grader. Through these experiences, he has had the opportunity to travel the world, meet with farmers, and become an integral part of the specialty coffee community.
Ask any barista in the area or coffee professional across the globe and they’ll tell you about José René’s eagerness to share his wealth of knowledge with others. As further proof of his educational prowess, many of Connecticut’s coffee shops are owned and/or operated by former J.René Coffee baristas.
Sen. Blumenthal meets and chats with local business owners over a cup of coffee at J.René Coffee Roasters.
The Community Coffee Shop Experience
The layout of each J.René Coffee Roasters shop is purposefully designed to encourage conversation and community. The lack of WiFi and lengthy community tables urge guests to sit down, relax, and have a conversation with friends or new acquaintances.
The menu at J.René Coffee Roasters boasts an array of specialty and artisan coffee offerings, ranging from pour overs and siphon pot coffee to traditional cappuccinos and drip coffee. Customers can also select from rotating baked goods and savory items to complement their beverage.
Supporting Connecticut’s Community and Beyond
Conversations sparked at the coffee shop have also led to meaningful partnerships with local organizations, small businesses, and community leaders. From craft beer collaborations with breweries such as New Park Brewing and Thomas Hooker Brewery to educational internships with the Center for Latino Progress, J.René Coffee Roasters has cemented its place in the West Hartford and Connecticut community as a place for all.
One such initiative is the introduction of Victus Coffee, a global brand roasted by the J.Rene Coffee team. Every purchase of Victus Coffee beans and merchandise supports non-profit sports organizations that promote wellness and advocacy in their communities. Through ongoing efforts and sales, the brand has partnered with organizations across the globe including Team Rwanda Cycling and the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program.
José René Martinez receives the Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award from the CT SBA.
Connecticut’s 2019 Small Business Week Awards
As a culmination of all of these efforts, J.René Coffee Roasters was announced as the recipient of the Minority Business of the Year' award from the Connecticut Small Business Administration on March 19, 2019. This award is presented to businesses throughout the state who exemplify small business excellence through job creation, community advocacy, and innovation. José René and his business partner, Marie Engel, attended the awards ceremony on May 9th, 2019 in New Haven, CT to accept the award.
“What started as a personal passion has transformed into something truly special and I cannot thank those who have been involved in the journey enough. Without their support and belief in our mission, this success would not have been possible.” José René stated.
To celebrate the shop’s accomplishment, Senator Richard Blumenthal visited and received a tour of the bar and roastery from José René. During his visit, Sen. Blumenthal had the opportunity to learn about the siphon pot brewing process, hear more about the shop’s dedication to the community, and discover how complex the coffee roasting process truly is.
Looking to the Future
Moving forward, J.René Coffee Roasters aims to amplify its community efforts through the continued growth of channels such as Victus Coffee, coffee shop events, and barista development.
To see (and taste) Jose Rene’s work for yourself, visit J.René Coffee Roasters at 320 Park Road and 58 LaSalle Road in West Hartford, CT or sign up for a coffee subscription today.