Carrying the Flame: Hrag Kalebjian on 3 Generations of Roasting at Henry’s House of Coffee
Coffee Roasting Legends
In this episode of Coffee Roasting Legends, Bill sits down with Hrag Kalebjian — third-generation roaster and co-owner of the legendary Henry’s House of Coffee in San Francisco.
This is one of the most inspiring roaster stories you’ll hear all year.
Hrag shares how his family’s roasting began in a small bakery in Lebanon, where his grandfather taught roasting by timing first and second crack with a simple song. After immigrating to the U.S. during the Lebanese Civil War, Hrag’s father bought a small European goods store called House of Coffee and transformed it into the beloved roastery it is today.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🔥 How a multi-generational family roastery survived major cultural and neighborhood shifts
🔥 Why Hrag left a successful corporate career after a single performance review moment
🔥 The reason Henry’s leans into smooth, classic dark roasts (and why their customers love it)
🔥 How listening to community needs helped Henry’s grow through demographic changes
🔥 What every new roaster must define before buying a machine or building a brand
🔥 Why Henry’s has roasted on San Franciscan machines for nearly 40 years — only two roasters in four decades
This episode is packed with insight on roasting philosophy, small-business survival, honoring heritage, and building a coffee brand that lasts.
A must-listen for roasters, café owners, and anyone passionate about coffee craftsmanship.
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