Mr. Steve's wintertime coffee journey

In the winter of 2014, amidst Ybor City’s lively streets, Mr. Steve began roasting and selling coffee, turning his passion into a rich, aromatic experience that brought people together, one cup at a time.

Mr. Steve’s Coffee Journey: Winter 2014, Ybor City

It was the winter of 2014 in Ybor City, the air crisp with the scent of roasted coffee and cigar smoke lingering from the district’s storied past. Beneath the glow of vintage streetlights, Mr. Steve stood at his small coffee stand, pouring freshly brewed cups for early risers and late-night wanderers alike. His journey into coffee roasting had begun not long before, sparked by a serendipitous encounter with Kenneth Davids' Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival.

Inspired by Davids’ deep dive into roasting techniques, Steve had transformed his modest kitchen into a small-scale roasting haven. Armed with a simple hot-air popcorn popper—an entry-level method championed in the book—he spent countless nights refining his craft, listening for the telltale first crack of the beans, adjusting heat levels, and experimenting with unique blends.

As his passion grew, so did his determination to share his creations. Ybor City, with its vibrant energy and love for artisan culture, became the perfect testing ground. Setting up a small pop-up along the brick-lined streets, Steve introduced locals to the rich complexity of freshly roasted beans, brewing each cup with the precision and care of a seasoned artisan.

The resource guide in Home Coffee Roasting had connected him with suppliers of premium green beans and high-quality roasting equipment, allowing him to refine his process. What started as a hobby had turned into something more—a community built around a shared love for coffee, where every cup told a story.

Little did he know, this was just the beginning.