From the Firehouse to the Roastery: The Heart Behind Tradition Coffee

At Tradition Coffee Roasters, our story began in a place where community, resilience, and a good cup of coffee were essential: the firehouse.

Brian, a Queens native and retired FDNY Lieutenant, spent 21 years serving New York City. During those years, coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a ritual. Each shift started with a hot pot of coffee shared around the table, bringing firefighters together before heading into the unknown. The coffee? It wasn’t winning any awards—but it fueled connection, purpose, and the day ahead. That firehouse coffee culture laid the groundwork for what would eventually become our Hawaii coffee roastery.

Then came a life-changing trip to Italy.

There, Brian had his first taste of what coffee could be—bold, complex, and brimming with flavor. One sip of rich Italian espresso, and he was hooked. That cup sparked a conversation (mostly gestures and a few broken Italian words) with a barista behind a beautiful espresso machine. It also sparked a dream. That moment planted the seed that would grow into Tradition Coffee.

After retiring from the Fire Department, Brian dove headfirst into roasting. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion. Graphs, charts, cupping notes, and more gear than you’d expect in a hobbyist’s kitchen soon followed. As Lindsey, his partner, recalls with a smile—“That’s when I knew it was more than a hobby.”

Lindsey, a finance professional from Wall Street, was also ready for a change. With a deep connection to Hawai‘i—her mom grew up in Kailua—the idea of building something meaningful in the only U.S. state where coffee is grown just made sense. Together, Brian and Lindsey moved to Oʻahu and brought Tradition Coffee Roasters to life.

At our core, we believe coffee is about connection. Whether it’s shared in a bustling firehouse, a quiet kitchen, or your favorite neighborhood café, coffee brings people together. It sparks conversations, warms hands, and offers a moment of pause in a busy world. That’s what we’re building—an inviting Kailua coffee shop, a brand, and a community grounded in connection.

Our values guide everything we do. We’re committed to mindful coffee sourcing and honoring every hand that touches the bean. From farm to cup, we aim to minimize waste and support growing practices that protect the earth and uplift farmers. We’re proud to be a sustainable coffee roaster that prioritizes people and the planet. From roasting in small batches to ongoing training with baristas and home brewers alike, we obsess over the details so you can taste the difference.

We love our island home, and we believe in giving back. Whether we’re working with local schools, volunteering with nonprofits, or welcoming neighbors into our café, Tradition is about relationships. Coffee is an ever-evolving craft, and we’re always learning. Through education, classes, and storytelling, we’re excited to grow alongside our customers and partners—one brew at a time.

So whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or just starting your journey, we’re here for you. Come say hi, take a class, ask us your coffee questions, or grab a bag of beans for home. We’re more than just a Hawaii coffee brand—we’re a roastery, a growing family, and we’d love for you to be part of it. 

At Tradition Coffee Roasters, we’re brewing more than coffee. We’re brewing connection, one cup at a time.