Cielo Coffee Roasters, a dynamic new player in the specialty coffee scene, has unveiled its distinct approach to coffee craftsmanship in Kansas City, Missouri. This venture, spearheaded by the seasoned coffee professional Kyle Evans, emphasizes a deeply personal connection to the bean, from sourcing to the final cup. Its initial success is built upon a strong partnership with Penrose, an intimate coffee bar nestled within the renowned Novel restaurant, and looks to foster community through local collaboration rather than broad online distribution.
The journey of Cielo Coffee Roasters officially began in February 2024, with its primary client being Penrose, which itself debuted just five months later. Kyle Evans, the visionary behind Cielo, simultaneously manages Penrose. His extensive 16-year career in the coffee industry has seen him hold various significant roles, including roasting and production management. Before launching Cielo, Evans gained considerable expertise, including setting up and running roasting operations for Honolulu Coffee in Hawaii, where he honed his skills in sourcing and the agricultural aspects of coffee production, even earning his Q Grader certification.
Evans' career trajectory includes a pivotal period at Blue Bottle Coffee in Northern California, where he served as a coffee logistics manager. In this role, he collaborated closely with green coffee buyers, supply chain specialists, and production teams, orchestrating coffee distribution across global markets, including Japan, Korea, China, and Vietnam. However, upon his return to Kansas City three years ago, Evans decided to forge a new path, launching Cielo with a distinct philosophy. He now sources and roasts coffees with a focus on high traceability, collaborating with importers who value the intrinsic and extrinsic qualities of each bean.
Currently, Cielo's offerings feature a diverse selection of single-origin coffees from regions like Bolivia, Honduras, Rwanda, and Sumatra, showcasing both washed and honey processes. Evans believes that the art of roasting lies in allowing each coffee's unique characteristics to shine, employing various brewing methods to achieve optimal results. His newfound enthusiasm for coffee service, particularly at Penrose, which features a Seattle-made Slayer espresso machine, underscores his dedication to the customer experience.
As Cielo Coffee Roasters continues its organic expansion, Evans remains committed to local engagement and human interaction, diverging from his previous e-commerce focused endeavors. He states that for him, coffee is an inherently personal experience, and the absence of human connection diminishes its essence. Looking ahead, Evans envisions a future that includes a larger, more specialized production facility, complete with dedicated spaces for service and training. This growth strategy involves exploring potential collaborations and possibly establishing additional espresso bars, all while maintaining a sustainable business model rooted in quality and community.