Awards + Accolades

We're proud to have grown from a small Topeka cafe into an internationally lauded coffee roaster while never losing sight of what's most important: exceptional coffee, lifelong relationships, and the wisdom to appreciate both.

PT’s has been recognized for quality by the specialty coffee industry as well as our northeastern Kansas community. These awards and accolades capture the full spectrum of our business operations, including recognition for coffee roasting, retail environments, and our team of experts:

  • In 2009, PT's was named "Roaster of the Year" by Roast Magazine, a respected publication for specialty coffee professionals. Two roasters are awarded each year, and each roaster is eligible to win only once.
  • PT's has fielded multiple Good Food Awards winners and finalists in the past decade. Finca El Socorro Java Washed is a 2024 Finalist. Hacienda Bajo Mono Static Gesha Natural won in 2023. In 2021, Tigesit Waqo Natural won and Café Granja La Esperanza Sudan Rume Natural was a finalist. Hacienda La Esmeralda Mario Natural was a finalist in 2020, and Ethiopia Nano Challa won in 2013.
  • In 2022, 2021, and 2019 Gear Patrol named PT's one of the 25 Best Coffee Roasters in America.
  • In 2022, 2019, and 2018 Food & Wine named PT's the best coffee roaster in Kansas.
  • PT's has received more than fifty scores of 94+ from Coffee Review, the world’s most widely read and influential coffee buying guide. PT's regularly appears on their Top 30 Coffees of the Year, including at #27 in 2023, #1 in 2022, #29 in 2021, #3 in 2019, #5 and #12 in 2018, and #6 in 2017.
  • In 2015 Culturated included PT's on its list of "Best Coffees Around The World." In 2013, Thrillist recognized PT's as one of the "Top Ten Roasters In The Nation, As Voted By Super Serious Coffee Nerds." Also in 2013, Complex recognized PT's as one of the best roasters in the US.
  • Since 2007, PT’s has routinely been named Best of Topeka in the Specialty/Gourmet Coffee Shop category. This award is given to businesses in Topeka and Northeast Kansas that make our city and state a unique place to live.
  • In 2015, PT’s at the Crossroads received second place in the “America’s Best Coffeehouse” regional competition hosted in Chicago. The cafe was established in 2014 and is located in Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District.
  • The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce named PT’s Coffee Roasting Co. Small Business of the Year in 2009.
  • PT's has invested in the education and professional development of its staff. In 2007 and 2008, Pete Licata represented our company in the United States Barista Championship, taking second place both years. In 2017, College Hill barista Edward Griffin reached the USBC finals. 

Good Food Awards Winner

2023, 2021, 2013

Coffee Review's No. 1 Coffee of 2022 | 50 ratings of 94 and above

25 Best Coffee Roasters in America: "PT's was one of the first coffee roasters to establish a Direct Trade program... Its trophy case is filled with accolades."

Best Coffee Roaster in Every State: "Back in 1993... Jeff Taylor and Fred Polzin were out in Topeka pioneering the notion of Direct Trade. Every bit as relevant today."

Roast Magazine's 2009 Macro Roaster of the Year

"Based in Topeka, Kansas, PT's has been one of the best sources for high-quality coffee for more than 25 years."

Where to Buy Great Coffee Online: "A regional list of roasters we love that ship straight to your door."

"Two veteran, direct-trade-focused coffee companies joined forces when PT’s Coffee acquired San Diego’s Bird Rock Coffee Roasters."