coffeesterTHE COFFEE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Roaster · United States

Modest Coffee

Modest Coffee is a specialty roaster founded by Marcus and Jenni Contaldo that focuses on traceable, single-origin coffee.

Modest Coffee
Image: courtesy of Modest Coffee

Founded in 2013 by husband and wife duo Marcus and Jenni Contaldo, Modest Coffee began as a home-roasting hobby using a popcorn popper before evolving into a professional operation. The business was officially established after the acquisition of a commercial roaster, which allowed the founders to scale their production while maintaining a focus on quality and accessibility. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and wage transparency, the company prioritizes traceable sourcing to support global coffee-growing communities. Marcus Contaldo, who draws on his background in culinary arts, oversees the roasting process and was recognized with a Good Food Award in 2021. Jenni Contaldo manages the business operations, ensuring the company remains dedicated to its vision of providing specialty coffee without pretension. Today, Modest Coffee has expanded its reach to over 100 retail outlets, offering a variety of single-origin coffees and subscriptions while maintaining the personal, community-focused values that defined its early days at local farmers' markets.

SpecialtyTraceableSingle-originSustainable

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Beans from Modest Coffee

Last updated: October 14, 2026