A street lamp in front of a red brick historic building with large arched and rectangular windows.
A glass coffee dripper on top of a glass carafe, with a bag of Pike House coffee labeled "Lenore" next to it, on a wooden table in a coffee shop. The background shows blurred people and bookshelves.

Our Mission.

We believe coffee should have character—bold, raw, and unapologetically real. That’s why we roast for flavor, not followers. No trends. No shortcuts. Just coffee that stands for something.

Who is Old City Coffee?

Inspired by Knoxville’s Old City, we roast coffee the old-school way—by feel, by instinct, and with a deep respect for the farms that make it possible. Our beans come from biodiverse, bird-friendly regions that protect both land and livelihood.

And now, you can taste it anywhere. Our mobile coffee cart delivers the same craft, quality, and attitude to your event—whether it’s a wedding, pop-up, or late-night party.

We bring the coffee. You bring the crowd.

A woman harvesting coffee cherries in a coffee plantation with trees and mountains in the background.
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Meet the Team

A smiling African American woman with curly afro hair, wearing glasses, hoop earrings, layered necklaces, and a white striped top.


  • Co-Founder

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  • Co-Founder

Contact Us
Bird art on branch drink bird friendly

At Old City Coffee Roasters, we believe great coffee should stand for something. That’s why we source from bird-friendly farms and support zero-deforestation practices—protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and honoring the communities behind every bean.

For us, it’s not just about flavor (though it’s damn good); it’s about crafting coffee that leaves the world better than we found it.

Protecting Birds, Protecting Flavor.

  • Certified by theSmithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC), Bird-Friendly® Coffee is the gold standard for sustainable coffee production. Coffee grown on bird-friendly farms helps preserve habitats for local wildlife, including migratory and native bird species. Birds are critical for controlling pests, pollinating plants, and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Zero deforestation ensures these habitats—and the surrounding forests—remain intact.

  • By sourcing beans this way, you support farmers who prioritize long-term land stewardship over short-term profit. Avoiding deforestation and using biodiversity-friendly practices means the farms remain productive for generations without destroying the environment or local communities.

  • Bird-friendly, forest-conscious farms often use shade-grown techniques, which slow the maturation of coffee beans and improve flavor complexity. Healthier ecosystems = healthier plants = higher-quality beans.

  • For Old City Coffee Roasters, highlighting bird-friendly farms with zero deforestation reinforces your brand’s identity: bold, ethical, and authentic. It shows you care about more than just coffee—you care about the world it comes from.