SilverCup Coffee Roasters grinding on

We’ve all seen movies where someone leaves a complex and/or well-paying profession to chase their true passion.

Andy Waters, co-owner and operator of SilverCup Coffee Roasters in Kellogg, is a real life example of such a person.

In 2014, the Shoshone News-Press announced to the community that the Silver Valley had its very own coffee roasting company thanks to Waters and his wife, Meghan.

The couple moved to Shoshone County in 2011 after living in Flagstaff, Ariz., for 2-3 years.

In Flagstaff, Waters worked as a biochemist with a nonprofit biotech company. It was during his time there that he developed into a bit of a “coffee snob.”

“The company that I worked for sourced coffee from the local roaster,” he said. “So that was my first experience with fresh coffee and I learned that it made a big difference.”

When Andy and Meghan moved to North Idaho, Andy initially stayed in the biochemistry field and got a job at SVL Analytical.

As time went on though, the dream of starting a coffee roasting company became more and more of a reality.

Still located at their wholesale location at 135 E. Cameron Ave. in Kellogg, SilverCup Coffee Roasters was born in June 2013.

Waters explained that he didn’t open a storefront to make the coffee he roasted because he didn’t want SilverCup competing with potential clients.

Speaking of products, Waters explains that since day one, it has been his unique brand of hand-picked coffee beans that have really set his business apart from other roasters.

SilverCup’s coffee bean provider lives in California and is able to supply Waters with a wide variety of samples from different growers.

“We really try to be selective with our coffee as far as supporting the growers,” Waters said. “Working with this family-owned importer, he travels directly to the source and meets with the farmers.”

Because of this direct line to the source of the beans, Waters can ensure that not only is the product high-quality, but also that everyone involved is being compensated fairly.

“That was really our main focus, we wanted to be a people oriented company,” Waters said. “We want to make sure the supply chain is taken care of from start to finish.”

Much like the early days, SilverCup still receives its product in 150-pound burlap bags that are filled with green coffee beans.

One thing that has changed though is the semi-recent addition of a larger roaster that is capable of roasting 23-pound batches.

In 13-16 minutes, the roaster gives the green beans their familiar dark brown color.

The biggest change with the business has been its growth in both customers and reach.

Starting with their first client seven years ago, Brewed Awakening in Pinehurst, SilverCup now has more than 50 — some as far as Seattle and Florida.

Waters has also extended his company’s reach by merging with Union Roasters in Coeur d’Alene.

Owned by brothers Chris and Shane Lauri, Union Roasters will focus on expanding their presence in cafes, while SilverCup will continue to be the regional wholesale provider of the product.

Looking forward, Waters hopes to continue to grow the brand outside the Silver Valley — especially into the Coeur d’Alene area.

SilverCup Coffee Roasters can be reached at 208-784-3164.