By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

STEVENS POINT — Ruby Coffee Roasters of Nelsonville has brought many national accolades to the Portage
County area since their inception in 2013.

The small, artisan teamed first worked out of a garage, but now carries touted honors from GQ, the Wall Street Journal and other renown food and drink organizations. Ruby, who until recently focused exclusively on roasting beans and serving in their Tasting Room, is now in the works of opening a brick and mortar cafe, located at 1410 3rd St., Stevens Point.

The shop is expected to open to the public in the spring of 2019. Hopes are for April, according to staff.

“We’ll be serving coffees that we roast in house, many of which come from farms that we work with closely” explained Ruby Owner Jared Linzmeier. “The level of information available for each coffee is quite vast. The cafe will first and foremost be a space for us to showcase this work and offer our community a space to gather and enjoy
coffee.”

Linzmeier’s first experience with high-quality coffee was in Los Angeles back in 2007, while working with Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea. He thoroughly enjoyed the roasting industry and began to compose new relationships.

“During that time I began roasting coffee professionally for that company,” Linzmeier said. “Which involved a great deal of education and quality analysis and my first introductions to coffee sourcing.”

Linzmeier started to travel and meet coffee producers in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and other sourcing hot spots. After garnering the skills and contacts he needed, he came back to Wisconsin.

“I was born in Stevens Point and have spent a good part of my life here in Portage County,” Linzmeier said. “I feel so inspired by the region and its people. [The coffee shop] space is really a manifestation of that.”

Ruby staff believes the new cafe will be a “safe space for everyone to meet.” They suspect that cyclists on the Green Circle, students and others from the area will utilize the space for business and relaxation. Linzmeier also plans to work with local vendors.

“We are very excited to work with local products from the Main Grain Bakery, cheese producers throughout the state, Underground Meats in Madison, and as many local farms as we can,” he said.

Ruby has entwined itself in the Portage County community. Their artfully curated roasts along with their veneration for the region has made them a coveted symbol of Wisconsin artisanship. Their new cafe will bring a wide selection  of coffee, tea and food for loyal patrons.

Follow the Gazette for more updates on this and other local business news. To learn more about Ruby Coffee Roasters visit https://rubycoffeeroasters.com.