What is Thanksgiving Coffee Company?
Thanksgiving Coffee is an award-winning, family-owned coffee roaster that’s been a staple on the Mendocino Coast since 1972. This isn’t just any coffee company — it’s a Certified B Corp and a second-generation family business with deep roots in sustainability. The founders, Joan and Paul Katzeff, started with a modest twenty-five pound roaster in the Mendocino Hotel, driven by a passion to bring craft coffee to their coastal community. The name “Thanksgiving” reflects their gratitude for living in a place overflowing with nature’s bounty — a nod to community, abundance, giving back, and, of course, giving thanks.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s what makes Thanksgiving Coffee stand out:
- Operating since 1972 on the Mendocino Coast
- Certified B Corp with a strong commitment to sustainability
- Local employees roast, package, and ship directly from Fort Bragg, California
- Co-founder Paul Katzeff helped start the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1982
- Introduced the first Certified Organic coffee line in 1990
- Launched the first shade-grown coffee line in 1996
- Early adopter and pioneer of Fairtrade certification starting in 2000
- Motto: “Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup” — emphasizing fairness and quality
A Legacy of Sustainability
Thanksgiving Coffee has been a pioneer in sustainability for decades. Their ethical sourcing model is built on direct relationships with small-scale farmer cooperatives, ensuring that farmers benefit fairly from their crops. This approach not only supports economic stability but also promotes environmental care — farmers can nurture their coffee trees better and keep their craft alive for generations to come. It’s a win-win that’s rare in the coffee world.
Community and Coastal Commitment
For over 47 years, Thanksgiving Coffee has been deeply embedded in the coastal community of Fort Bragg. The roastery overlooks the scenic Noyo Harbor, where local employees handle every step — from roasting to packaging to shipping. This local focus strengthens the community and keeps the company’s roots firmly planted in the place that inspired its founding.
Innovations in Coffee Craft
Innovation runs through Thanksgiving Coffee’s veins. Beyond being early adopters of organic and shade-grown coffee, they helped shape the Fairtrade movement by providing a model for certification. Their coffees are unique — you won’t find or taste these anywhere else. This dedication to quality and sustainability has earned them acclaim and loyal fans who appreciate coffee that’s as ethical as it is delicious.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty — supporting small-scale farmers economically
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — fair trade and ethical sourcing
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — organic and shade-grown coffee
- SDG 13: Climate Action — sustainable farming practices
- SDG 15: Life on Land — protecting ecosystems through shade-grown coffee
Why Thanksgiving Coffee Matters
At its heart, Thanksgiving Coffee is about more than just great coffee — it’s about honoring the people and the planet behind every cup. The company celebrates the resilience and innovation of hardworking farmers, ensuring their craft and livelihoods endure. Supporting Thanksgiving Coffee means supporting a better coffee industry and a healthier planet. It’s a story of gratitude, community, and a just cup that keeps on giving.
