Interview: Logan Kedwell of ABBOTSFORD ROAD COFFEE SPECIALISTS in Gowanus Brooklyn

More than just another Aussie coffee company, Abbotsford Road takes Australia's passionate, inclusive coffee culture and presents it through a distinctly NYC lens. The concept was developed by Phillip Di Bella, founder of Di Bella Coffee, Australia's top specialty coffee roaster and 2016 Golden Bean champion. His goals here are simple: to provide the finest coffee without pretention, to help cafés and restaurants become profitable coffee destinations, and to harbor in Gowanus the strong sense of community and hospitality that Australians are known for. This is not a snobby coffee laboratory, but rather a welcoming enclave of enthusiasts eager to share their expertise.

Logan Kedwell is the Director of Sales and Business Development and a Partner in Abbotsford Road. He began working in the family wholesale fruit and vegetable business where he learned the value of consistently high quality produce and excellent client relationships. Logan developed intricate knowledge of the coffee industry running all four locations Buzz Bistro, a successful chain of cafés in Australia. Eager to learn more about the roasting/wholesaling end of the business, he went to work for Di Bella Coffee, where he was involved in managing corporate accounts, café performance analysis, bean sales and brewing methods.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Logan Kedwell about his career and Abbotsford Road.

When did you first become interested in the coffee market?

While working in the family Restaurant in Australia. I saw first hand just how much serving an amazing cup of coffee helped our business.

Do you have any particular mentors?

I do. My parents brought me up with very strong values both personal and professional which have forged a strong foundations. But when it comes to coffee, there has been no one better to learn from then my business partner Phil Di bella of Dibella coffee in Australia.

Why do you think Abbotsford Road has already been so successful?

Because we make it about the customers not about us. We are here to provide a "coffee worth coming back for" which helps out partners grow their coffee business. You will find you wont need sugar with our coffee as its so well balanced with a sweet finish, no bitter or acidic aftertaste, just right. It makes you want to have another.

What are some of the challenges of running such a dynamic coffee business?

Like any business, finding the right people. It's important we find staff that share our values, we can teach the rest.

What innovations in the coffee industry have recently sparked your interest?

I am really excited to see the growth of speciality coffee in the US Market. More and more people are looking for a better tasting coffee.

Tell us about some of your plans for the future?

Unlike our competitors, we are a wholesale brand not a retail brand. I say that because it allows us to focus on helping cafe owners and restaurants make money, without competing with them.

Anything else, absolutely anything you want BWW Food and Wine readers to know!

Come down to Gowanus and mention this article and Ill give you a discount code for online. We are also available on Uber eats so you can have fresh roasted coffee delivered to your door in 30 min.

Abbotsford Road Coffee Specialists is located at 573 Sackett St, Brooklyn New York 11217. For more information, visit https://abbotsfordroad.com/ or call them at 646.983.0448.

Editor's Note: Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of visiting Abbotsford Road in Brooklyn for their official ribbon cutting and we enjoyed some of their fine coffees. It's a spot that our readers will truly enjoy whenever they are in the neighborhood. Stop by their delightful shop to relax and enjoy.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Abbotsford Road

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