POMEROY, OHIO — River Roasters Coffee Co. has announced plans to invest approximately $171,000 to construct a new building, invest in a commercial roaster, and build a commercial kitchen for food production. The new facility will enable the company to supply business customers such as restaurants, groceries and other coffee shops in multiple states.

“We hope that this expansion allows us to supply fantastic specialty coffee, baked goods, and other River Roasters Coffee Co. staples to many surrounding areas,” said Larry Hess Jr., co-owner of River Roasters. “Our plan was always to roast our own specialty coffee, but we realized quickly that a cafe and roastery are two different business models and we needed to select one to start with. This new investment will allow us to separate the two and make them two very different but equally as important parts of our company and hire more great people to join our team.”

River Roasters said the transition into production and wholesaling is “a natural next step” for the company and complements its cafe location, which will remain on Main Street in downtown Pomeroy and continue to serve retail customers.

Candice and Larry Hess Jr. founded River Roasters Coffee Co. in 2018. The couple purchased and renovated a historic building and opened the cafe business. River Roasters also sells coffee online to customers all over the United States and hopes to grow its online presence with the upcoming expansion.