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Roly-Poly Coffee: Redefining Bozeman's Coffee Culture

Roly-Poly Coffee: Redefining Bozeman's Coffee Culture

Whether you’re an experienced coffee aficionado or just trying out different brews for the first time, one thing is for sure—Roly-Poly serves coffee for everyone! For years, they’ve been serving delicious coffee here in Bozeman, MT, and have stood as a welcoming place for our community to come together. If you’ve never stepped foot in their eclectic shop on the east side of town, you’re really missing out, and it should be at the top of your to-do list! 

How It All Started 

Owner of Roly-Poly Coffee Co., Taylor, moved to Bozeman in 2019, thinking he was leaving the coffee industry behind after working in it his entire life. That being said, he quickly realized how much he missed being part of the vibrant coffee community and connecting with people.  

In 2021, Taylor quit his job and started making coffee from the back of his vintage Ford Bronco. Initially, Roly-Poly operated out of a garage on Lamme St., but as things became more serious, they moved to their well-known Broadway location. They also bought a fancy new coffee roaster, affectionately named 'Daddy’s Little Fatty,' after the song Roly Poly—you know, the one about a chubby baby. Seems fitting for a coffee shop with a little extra personality!  

Roly-Poly is known for its quirky, kitschy vibe that is rooted in family nostalgia. After Taylor’s dad passed away in 2020, he was inspired to return to what he loved. The entire space is a tribute to his dad’s life. Their shop features funky thrift store and antique shop art, and even some artwork that was created by a few of the shop’s regular customers! 

What Sets Roly-Poly Coffee Apart? 

Taylor has a deep respect for Bozeman’s coffee scene and its community-driven focus. His vision for Roly-Poly was to create a lighter-to-medium roast, high-quality coffee that everyone can enjoy. 

With a focus on lighter roasts, Roly-Poly coffee provides a little extra caffeine kick, so it’s perfect for anyone who needs some energy. Another fun fact: their espresso is naturally sweet, so you can skip the bitterness and still enjoy a smooth, flavorful shot every time! Each and every coffee order is brewed to perfection, whether you prefer it simple or with all of the fixings, with no judgment involved. Plus, they take pride in only using small-batch ingredients wherever possible. Their vanilla, lavender, and chocolate syrups are all made from scratch in-house to make sure that each drink is full of flavor—as they should be!  

Roly-Poly's approach to coffee is lighthearted and fun, embracing individuality and creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy their coffee in their own unique way.  

Sourcing the Best Beans: Ethical & High-Quality 

While Roly-Poly is passionate about their shop having a lighthearted feel, one thing that they do take very seriously is the quality of their coffee. All their beans come from ethical farms in primarily Central America, South America, and West Africa, where workers are paid and treated well. They’re passionate about only sourcing the highest quality of beans, since as Taylor put it “bad beans can’t make good coffee.” Each of their options has a unique roast profile, and they focus on consistency with pre-programmed roast settings. It’s important that each time a customer comes in, they’re getting a coffee that is just as delicious as the last! 

While they align with the concept of third-wave specialty coffee, Taylor likes to describe Roly-Poly as “post-wave”, since they are a funky brand with a serious passion for great coffee. If you’re looking for a recommendation on what to pick up on your next visit, their most popular blend, Daily Driver, is a budget-friendly yet high-quality and delicious option! 

Coffee in Cans: A Unique Approach to Packaging 

Another thing you may have noticed that Roly-Poly does a little differently is packaging! While Taylor and his business partner were brainstorming over beers, they looked at their beer cans and thought, “Why not use cans for coffee?” And they’ve been doing just that ever since! 

Aside from it looking super cool and making their product stand out on a shelf, there are several practical reasons for packaging their coffee beans in cans. First off, cans are able to keep the coffee fresher for longer. They cut down on oxygen exposure since each can be opened one by one, versus a bag where all the beans are exposed at once. Cans are also able to help preserve the flavor by letting the coffee degas inside, ensuring that the beans will give you a delicious cup of coffee each time. Lastly, cans are infinitely recyclable, which is a win for the planet and perfectly aligns with Roly-Poly's passion for sustainability! 

All the can tops that Roly-Poly uses for its coffee beans are upcycled from local breweries in the Bozeman area! 

Roly-Poly's Growth & Expansion 

The crew over at Roly-Poly Coffee is doing everything except for standing still! About a year ago, they were able to expand with a second location on Main Street here in Bozeman. While their Broadway location feels like a hidden gem, the newer Main Street spot has higher visibility, helping the business grow, pay their staff better, and keep the coffee flowing! 

Plus, Roly-Poly now serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner five days a week out of their Broadway location (but make sure to stop by their Main Street location for some incredible kolaches). They even offer beer and wine! Adding this new food menu allows customers to sit back and relax, enjoy a delicious meal with their coffee, and stick around longer. Taylor’s personal favorite menu item? The enchiladas!  

*** 

With a focus on high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, unique packaging, and a fun, community-driven atmosphere, Roly-Poly Coffee has become a standout in Bozeman’s coffee scene. So, stop by either of their shops at 528 N Broadway Ave or 321 E Main St, Suite 1E (our downtown Montana Gift Corral location is just next door at 237 E Main St). You can also grab their canned beans at BZN Market in the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport! 

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