The rich history behind delicious coffee
Our Story
Coffee is our medium
“Not Just A Cup, But A Just Cup” is our message.
Thanksgiving Coffee is an award-winning, family-owned coffee roaster operating on the Mendocino Coast since 1972. We are proud to be a Certified B Corp and a second-generation family-owned business. As pioneers of sustainability practices at the heart of coffee today, we have developed co-beneficial relationships with farmers spanning decades, giving us access to unique, acclaimed coffees you can’t find — or taste — anywhere else.
We didn’t start out to change the world. We were just looking for a good cup of coffee.
In 1972, Joan and Paul Katzeff set up a twenty-five pound roaster in the Mendocino Hotel to bring craft coffee to the Mendocino coast. At the time, our community was supported and nourished by Northern California’s natural bounty — towering forests, abundant fisheries, four-season farms, soon to be world-class vineyards, and a homing beacon for the back-to-the-land movement — but when it came to coffee, we were still drinking stale grounds from a can.
We named our company Thanksgiving to reflect our gratitude for living in a place where nature’s cornucopia overflowed. All of the ideals of the holiday resonated with our founders - community, abundance, giving back and giving thanks for our bounty.
Our Location
In the beginning, Noyo Harbor was surrounded by rugged fishermen, artisan boat builders, cranky deck hands and the salty aroma of a true working harbor. It was a vibrant, resource-rich environment in the 70s.
Thanksgiving Coffee is deeply committed to the coastal community, where its been located for over 47 years. Local employees roast, package, deliver and ship our products directly from the roastery that overlooks the scenic Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California.
Sustainably Focused
In 1982 Paul Katzeff co-founded the Specialty Coffee Association of America, to help bring quality and sustainability to the entire coffee supply chain. As president of the SCAA in 1985, Paul visited Nicaragua for the first time. After a firsthand look at the economic injustices within his own industry, our motto - and a renewed purpose - was born on the flight home: Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup.
Founders' Story
We believe the secret to great coffee lies in the welfare of the farmers who grow it. We have worked for economic and environmental sustainability for our farmers to take better care of their coffee trees. Making sure our farmers benefit from the quality of their crop means they can pursue continual improvement, and pass their craft onto the next generation.
That’s why:
Thanksgiving introduced the first Certified Organic coffee line in 1990.
Thanksgiving introduced the first shade grown coffee line in 1996.
Our ethical sourcing model, direct from small-scale farmer cooperatives, was used as the basis for the first fair trade certification from Fairtrade. We introduced some of the first Fairtrade certified coffees in 2000.
In 2001, we worked with USAID to introduce the first farmer-owned cupping labs in small cooperatives in Nicaragua. This allowed farmers for the first time to taste and improve their own coffees, thus understanding the true value for their product, and enabling them to achieve fair market prices for their beans.
"I co-founded this company with my wife Joan, 50 years ago. It sure went fast!"
Awards & Certifications
The coffee industry has a tremendous impact (positive and negative) on the environment, social equity, and peace in coffee growing regions. While certifications are fundamental to our work, our practices often go far beyond the standards that Fair Trade & Organic Certification have set. We believe in supporting the work that certifying organizations do to raise awareness and hold the coffee industry accountable.
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Fair Trade Farmers & Cooperatives
We celebrate the resilience and innovation of hardworking farmers who cultivate the coffee beans we roast.
By supporting our farmers, we're not only ensuring the sustainability of the coffee industry, but also contributing to the betterment of our planet. Gain deeper understanding of the dedication, passion, and expertise that goes into producing our award winning coffees and the unique flavors and characteristics that make each bean so special.
Sustainability Practices
We make every possible effort to reduce our ecological footprint at home and around the world. Here are some of the things we’re doing every day at the roastery to make a difference.
Learn MoreCoffee for a Cause
Every great cup, steeped with a great purpose. You get coffee, they get support. We have raised nearly $600,000 and counting…
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