By Deb Sanders
Walk down the streets of historic Frenchtown, and you might just catch the rich, comforting aroma of freshly roasted coffee drifting through the air. If you follow your nose, you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Course Coffee Roasters, a beloved neighborhood spot that has spent the last decade turning a daily caffeine fix into a journey of global discovery.
Owned and operated by Brandon and Sarah Runk, Course Coffee Roasters is preparing to celebrate 10 years of roasting this January. They started by selling their roasted coffee beans at the St. Charles Farmer’s Market. As their passion and local following grew, they expanded six years ago to open their coffee bar right in the heart of Frenchtown.
"Frenchtown is a great community," Brandon says. "The people here are so friendly and willing to help each other out to help this area continue to grow."
The name "Course" reflects the spirit of setting out on an expedition and experiencing something entirely new. "People are on the course of life, all within the same community, and we wanted to create a space where people can interact and share that journey," says Brandon. “Our team, especially our manager Alicia, contributes so much to what we do!” Alicia runs social media and is intentional about including the team’s values and mission, along with educational content.
The heart of their business is connecting the local St. Charles community to the global coffee community. Brandon sources beans from independent farms and small-farm co-ops across South and Central America—including Costa Rica, Bolivia, Colombia, and El Salvador. Lately, they’ve expanded their footprint into the Asia-Pacific region, sourcing beans from Laos, China, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand.
Educating the Palate
Course Coffee Roasters is on a mission to show customers that coffee is far more than just a morning wake-up call—it’s an artisan experience akin to fine wine. Just as a sommelier guides you through how soil and climate shape a vintage, Course Coffee is passionate about educating patrons on how origin, microclimates, roasting styles, and brewing techniques unlock wildly unique flavor profiles. To share this passion, they host comparative tasting events four times a year. These guided tastings take attendees on a deep dive into the origin of different beans, revealing how every variable—from region, climate, roasting techniques, and brewing—transforms the final character in your cup.
"We are an extension and a steward of that process to the point of being able to create the end product taste," Brandon explains. "It’s excellent care, human relations, and attention to detail from start to finish for the entire process."
A Coffee Bar Basking in History and Local Charm
Housed in a charming 1890s historic building, the coffee bar is overflowing with character. Sarah led the design vision, thoughtfully curating an eclectic mix of vintage decor from across the decades to complement the original refurbished hardwood floors and exposed brick.
Every corner tells a story. The front door windowpanes feature maps painted by a local artist, celebrating local geography. A vintage stereo cabinet sits equipped with a working turntable and dozens of classic vinyl records for guests to play. A gutted 1950s television set has been cleverly repurposed as a magazine rack and plant stand. Local craftsmen were brought in to build unique furniture and seating areas. And the roasting magic happens right next door, ensuring that every cup served—or bag sold—is as fresh as it gets.
Whether you're stopping in for a quick pour-over or staying to sink into a vintage armchair, Course Coffee has something for everyone. Grab a bag of their custom-roasted beans to take home, ground on the spot to match your brewing setup. Pair your drink with delicious breakfast treats sourced locally from MB’s Patisserie and Mr. Meowski’s Sourdough. Try their recently introduced cold brew in aluminum cans, produced through a partnership with Gold Mountain Coffee Growers LLC.
Whether you are a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a warm, welcoming space to connect with neighbors, drop by Course Coffee Roasters. Take a moment to sit back, spin a classic record, and enjoy the journey—one cup at a time.
Find Course Coffee Roasters at 1218 North Second Street or check them out online at coursecoffeeroasters.com and on Instagram and Facebook.