The Seattle Coffee Scene - an Interview with Sean Grant of Seattle Gourmet Coffee

Seattle is known for its coffee culture. Everyone knows that Starbucks originated in Seattle. What many do not know is that the first Starbucks started at the Pike Place Public Market, the most visited tourist attraction in Seattle.

Today, Starbucks is on every corner in Seattle, and is the most well-known coffee icon in the world. But, Starbucks, according to residents of Seattle is not what makes up the true coffee culture of Seattle. It is the independent coffee shops that have created that. All Seattle residents have their favorite coffee shops. Coffee is such a part of Seattle life, that a recent study showed that the Seattle sewer discharge water held an elevated level of caffeine. Pretty exciting news!

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss the coffee culture with Sean Grant, the owner of Seattle Gourmet Coffee. He is part-founder of the company and loves the Seattle coffee scene. He has some interesting things to say about his perceptions of the coffee culture in Seattle.

Let's hear his thoughts about how his company started and what he thinks about Seattle and coffee.

ABS) How did you get involved in the coffee business?

Sean) Back around 1993 my brother in law visited a cafe in Miami & ordered a Mocha but come to find it wasn't quite to the standard to what he was used to drinking here in Seattle. He asked the manager if they would show him how they prepared it. Afterward he offered to teach them how to prepare it the way we did in Seattle. They were impressed and hired him to teach their staff. Shortly afterwards he met some family roasters and farm connections in Florida, he then called me here in Seattle and said, "How would you like to go into the coffee business." That is the quick story on how we got started.

ABS) What is your favorite coffee product and why?

SEAN) If you are asking which single origin coffee is my favorite, that would be Ethiopian Harrar. Mainly because I enjoy the body of this coffee has to offer. It is full flavored, has a wonderful aroma, and I can enjoy it without creamer or sugar.

ABS) How do you view the Seattle coffee culture?