The Story of Sanders Bros. Coffee

Well hello there! Cary Sanders here, founder of Sanders Bros. Coffee. I’m always happy to share the story behind our coffee and what makes us tick.

It all started quite simply, really. Like many folks, my wife and I enjoyed a good cup of coffee, but I always felt like there was something missing. So, out of curiosity, I started roasting beans at home just for us. Then, I shared some with a friend who told me point blank that Murfreesboro didn’t have enough good coffee and that I should sell it. That was the little push I needed, and the idea for Sanders Bros. Coffee began to take shape. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about following a passion that quickly grew into something I loved more than my day job. For over two decades, I worked in the geospatial mapping industry, a field that demands a lot of attention to detail. You might not think it connects to coffee, but that focus on precision and understanding the inner workings of a process has been invaluable in mastering the art and science of roasting.

Now, about that name – Sanders Bros. It’s not something I just dreamed up. It’s deeply rooted in my family history. I grew up seeing a picture of my great-grandfather, and on his barn was the inscription “Sanders Brother’s livery and stable“. That name is over a hundred years old, and when I was searching for a business name, seeing that piece of my family’s past hanging on the wall just felt right. It wasn’t just a name; it represented a legacy, and from what I understand, my ancestors “really took care of their customers”, which is a value we hold dear today.

Our mission here at Sanders Bros. Coffee is straightforward: to provide the best, freshest roasted coffee for our community and, hopefully, for anyone who appreciates a truly great cup. We’re guided by a few core values.

First and foremost is quality. We are committed to sourcing only “specialty grade coffees” and I personally oversee every roast with that same “particular attention to detail” I learned in my previous career.

Tradition is also important to us, honoring the legacy of our name and the values it represents.

We’re deeply invested in our community, which is why you’ll find us at the Murfreesboro Farmers Market every Saturday from May to the end of October. It’s a fantastic way to connect with folks, share our coffee, and build relationships. We aim to be known as the “go-to coffee in town”. Being a family-owned business is central to who we are.

We want our customers to “feel like family”, and we strive to build trust through personal touches like the handwritten notes I sometimes include with orders. Everything we do is driven by a passion for great coffee and a hard work ethic.

What makes Sanders Bros. Coffee stand out? Well, we roast our beans using an “all electric hot air roaster,” which is “not the industry standard”. Most folks use gas-fired drum roasters, but our method is more “sustainable” because it doesn’t emit exhaustive gases. Plus, we’ve found it creates a “super smooth and never bitter” coffee. I rarely hear any complaints about bitterness, and that’s something we’re really proud of.

We also care deeply about where our beans come from. We’re committed to direct trade relationships, which means we communicate directly with the farmers and purchase their coffee without a middleman. This ensures they receive a fair price for their hard work, and we have full traceability back to the farm or co-op. We currently have partnerships, including one in Guatemala, and are always looking to build more. This not only benefits the farmers and their communities but also allows us to bring you exceptional, ethically sourced coffee.

So, why should you choose Sanders Bros. Coffee? You’re not just buying a bag of beans; you’re supporting a local, family-owned business that values quality, tradition, and community. You’re experiencing coffee roasted with passion using a unique method that delivers a remarkably smooth taste. You’re supporting ethical sourcing through our commitment to direct trade. And ultimately, we hope you’ll feel like part of the Sanders Bros. Coffee family, where we’re dedicated to making every cup a delightful experience.

We’d love for you to visit us at the Farmers Market or check out our website. Taste the Sanders Bros. difference for yourself – we think you’ll find your new favorite coffee with us.

Sincerely,

Cary Sanders Founder, Sanders Bros. Coffee