A coffee house in Hell’s Kitchen, Romeo & Juliet, has been a staple for New Yorkers since 2012, built on strong ties with Colombian farmers. However, recent economic and environmental challenges threaten this relationship, leading to increased prices and supply issues in the coffee market. Owner Carlos Ramirez, who has a deep connection to Colombian coffee farming, faces tough decisions as costs rise and competition intensifies.
• Romeo & Juliet imports one ton of green coffee beans monthly from Colombia.
• The coffee market is split into commodity and specialty coffee, with the latter focusing on quality.
• Recent climate issues in Colombia and Brazil have caused a supply shock, pushing arabica bean prices to record highs.
• U.S. tariffs on coffee imports have further increased prices for consumers.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between quality coffee production and the economic realities of running a small business. As prices soar, maintaining quality becomes a challenge, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and local connections in the coffee industry.
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