Last fall, Industrious launched a new initiative to support minority-owned businesses through its purchasing power.

Today, Industrious members across the country are able to sip blends and single-origin brews by minority-owned roasters from different regions of the country — roasters like Black Acres Roastery, a small-batch, artisanal operation launched in 2018. Outside of Industrious, its roasts can be sampled at its café in the Highlandtown district of Baltimore, Maryland, a neighborhood named for the view it affords of the city and known for its Formstone-clad rowhouses.

We sat down with Black Acres Roastery founder Travis Bell to get the scoop on its ethically-sourced beans, roasting style, and Bell’s favorite way to drink his coffee.

Black Acre Roaster’s small-batch coffee can be sampled at Industrious locations across the country. (Aspen Jeanné Photography)

Where do you source your beans from?

We source our beans from all over the world through various importers. We ensure all the coffees selected are traceable from bean to cup.

How do you approach roasting and roast types (light, medium, dark)?

We like to have fun with the coffees by letting them be what the farmers/producers see as their best qualities. Our roasting style depends on each coffee.

What sets Black Acres Roastery apart?

Our passion for finding the next great coffee to share with others. As a black-owned company, we want to be approachable to all customers.

Why do you love what you do?

The artistic freedom to be able to create something for others to enjoy and share.

Founder Travis Bell enjoys a cup of cold brew. (Courtesy Black Acres Roastery)

What’s your personal favorite way to drink coffee?

Nitro cold brew because the creamy texture it provides is like Guinness.

When do you do your best work?

Early mornings and late nights [is when] I get most of my work done because it allows for a fresh start and good finish each day.

How do you believe coffee connects us or plays a role in a sense of community?

It allows for everyone to come together [and] learn from one another [all] along the supply chain, unlike some settings. Coffee transcends any boundaries, allowing for communication and connection for building communities.