Vigilante Coffee

Vigilante Coffee was launched in 2012 by founder Chris, who developed his passion for coffee while working as a barista and learning to roast at Downtown Coffee in Honolulu, Hawaii. Returning to the East Coast with a used 3-kilo Diedrich roaster nicknamed 'Lil Red,' he began roasting from his back porch and basement in Northeast DC, selling at farmers markets, pop-ups, and to local businesses. In 2012, Ashley joined the company, eventually becoming a part owner and bringing business, design, and operational expertise to the growing venture. By 2014, the roastery relocated to Hyattsville, Maryland, establishing a café and roastery in a local arts district. The company offers coffee subscriptions, wholesale partnerships, brew education resources, and community fundraising programs, and maintains a transparency report reflecting its focus on sustainability and sourcing accountability.