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The Brunson Family Legacy
Lil Red Roaster’s journey is steeped in the rich heritage of coffee craftsmanship and family entrepreneurship. It began with our father, Buddy Brunson, whose passion for coffee ignited a legacy that would span decades and redefine the way people experience coffee.
From his beginnings with Coffee Butler franchises to establishing Capitol Coffee in Raleigh, NC, Buddy’s dedication to quality and innovation set the stage for a family devoted to mastering the art of coffee.
As Capitol Coffee grew, so did the Brunson family’s expertise. Charles and Ben Brunson spent their formative years immersed in the culture of coffee. From sourcing premium beans to witnessing the intricate roasting process, they learned firsthand the importance of treating coffee as both a science and an art.
The Evolution of Capitol Coffee
In the early days, Capitol Coffee brought reliable coffee solutions to businesses, supplying trusted brands like Maxwell House and Folgers. But as coffee culture transformed, so did Capitol Coffee.
The rise of specialty coffee inspired a commitment to sourcing exceptional, high-grown, hand-picked beans from small farms around the globe. This attention to detail and quality set the foundation for the next chapter in the family’s journey: the creation of Lil Red Roaster.
The Birth of Lil’ Red Roaster
Lil Red Roaster was born out of a love for coffee and the Brunsons' drive to push boundaries. In 2021, Charles and Ben envisioned a brand that combined their family’s legacy with their own unique approach to coffee. Inspired by childhood memories of Sullivans Island and a nod to the Rolling Stones' classic "Little Red Rooster," Lil Red Roaster became more than a name - it became a symbol of their playful spirit and uncompromising dedication to superior coffee.
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Every coffee profile developed for Lil Red Roaster is a testament to the family’s expertise. Partnering with master roasters, they carefully source high-altitude beans, meticulously cup and refine blends, and roast to perfection to ensure every sip tells a story.
Coffee, Crafted for You
Today, Lil Red Roaster is a reflection of what consumers value most: quality, sustainability, and authenticity. From our responsibly sourced beans to our artisanal roasting process, every cup embodies the principles that drive modern coffee culture. We’re proud to deliver not just a product, but an experience that connects people to the moments that matter.
A Commitment to Excellence
Whether it’s through our innovative cold brew, bold espresso blends, or signature roast profiles, Lil Red Roaster is committed to delivering coffee that transcends expectations. Rooted in the Brunson family’s expertise and Capitol Coffee’s trusted reputation, we aim to redefine your daily ritual.
Join us as we celebrate a legacy of coffee excellence, a passion for innovation, and a dedication to crafting coffee that inspires. With every sip, you become part of our story—a story built on love, perseverance, and the simple joy of a truly exceptional cup of coffee.
Lil Red Roaster
Coffee That Moves You.
Our Values
At Lil Red Roaster, we believe great coffee starts with great relationships. While we respect and appreciate global initiatives, our focus is on helping the communities closest to us. From the Outer Banks to the Appalachian Coastal Zone, we’re dedicated to supporting our local region and the people who make it thrive.
We’re here to provide good coffee at a fair price while ensuring everyone in our ecosystem - customers, partners, and team members - benefits from the relationship. We believe in treating everyone with respect and fairness, fostering a sense of community through the simple act of sharing a great cup of coffee.
Our commitment is to serve the people of our local communities and the United States with
coffee that brings us all together.
A Peek Into the Roastery
At Lil Red Roaster, every bag of coffee tells a story of care, craftsmanship, and quality. We take pride in our small-scale, by-hand roasting process, where every batch is roasted with precision and attention to detail.
Our small-batch approach allows us to control the quality of every roast. From the moment the beans enter the roastery to the final step of bagging, our team inspects and physically handles each batch to ensure it meets our high standards.
Every bag is carefully checked before it leaves the roastery, guaranteeing it arrives to you in pristine condition, ready to be ground and brewed into your perfect cup. At Lil Red Roaster, we put our stamp of approval on each batch—one bag at a time—so you can enjoy coffee that’s as fresh and flavorful as it was meant to be.
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