Today we’d like to introduce you to Lemuel Butler.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the practice, why don’t you give our readers a few quick bullet points about you and your story.
2003-2007: The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe Barista, trainer, general manager
2007- 2017: Counter Culture Coffee
Educator, Wholesale Customer Support, Consultant, West Coast Regional Developer
2017-present: Black & White Coffee Roasters
Cofounder
Five time southeast regional barista champion
2005,2007,2009,2012,2015
First Black barista to win United States Barista Competition 2016
First Black barista to represent the United States amongst 64 other countries in the World Barista Championship Dublin, Ireland 2016
*(finalist/ 4th)
Educator in Brazil, UK, China, Japan, Colombia, Ethiopia, South Africa
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. In the start of my coffee career there were not a lot of people in the US Specialty Coffee industry that looked like me. I had to work twice as hard to get as far as my white colleagues. I was passed over for positions I was more than qualified for and I often was not respected as a professional. Struggles make us stronger and I feel my resilience in adversity has strengthened my resolve
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I try not to be proud but I am extremely excited that Black & White Coffee Roasters began and not only survived the pandemic but has shown growth each year we’ve been open. With growth we can do more for our community: coffee producers, industry professionals and our amazing B&W staff.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Encouraging our B&W team to become leaders within our company and within the Specialty Coffee Industry.
Contact Info:
- Email: lem@blackwhiteroasters.com
- Website: blackwhiteroasters.com
- Instagram: @blackwhitecafenc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/BlackWhiteCoffeeRoasters
