Leap Coffee Roasters

The Mission: roast delicious coffee, keep it simple, help others, have fun. That’s exactly what Eric and Kari Hirst Starkey have been doing since purchasing Leap Coffee Roasters on Leap Day of 2016. “We try and do every part of our business using the thumbnail of is it good for the community and is it good for the supply chain all the way down to the farmer,” says Eric. “We’re super proud to be in this world of coffee right now where it’s very respectful,” says Kari.

Leap uses coffee to create conversations and connections by providing a physical space for the community, especially artists, and by holding space for all people in our community. “We feel like that’s our role - that that’s part of it.” says Kari.

Each year, Leap partners with a local artist to create a new blend for their Artist Series Coffee, the sales of which the artist receives a portion of revenue in perpetuity. In the current iteration, artist Angie LaPaglia and the roasters created “Shameless,” a blend of three coffees produced by women-owned farms. Leap staff are artists in their own right, adding their creativity, passions, and interests to the collaboration. With each new partnership, the community expands and welcomes in a diverse group of people.

In addition to supporting artists, Leap recently began donating a portion of their YYY Blend sales to local Black-led organizations. Lillian Timber Farms is the current recipient. By purchasing the YYY Blend from Leap, you are supporting a small business that supports others.

As with many small businesses, the pandemic has prompted Leap to expand their offerings. In addition to their organic and Fair Trade Certified roasts, Leap will begin selling house-made chocolate from thoughtfully and ethically sourced organic cacao later this year.

> Leap Coffee Roasters: 44 NE 51st Street, Oklahoma City, OK; (405) 602-5800; leapcoffeeroasters.net