In the world of specialty coffee, few stories are as vibrant and full of character as that of SipWithMe’s national roaster partner, Metropolis Coffee Company.
Founded in 2003 by a dynamic father-son duo, Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss, Metropolis’ origins are as unique as the brand itself.
Legend has it that Jeff and Tony, fueled by their love for great coffee—and perhaps a few too many double shots—found themselves at a roaster manufacturer’s booth after participating in an espresso-drinking competition.
Whether it was the caffeine buzz or their shared passion for coffee, the world may never know, but the pair impulsively purchased a 12 kg roaster without a plan for where to put it. And just like that, Metropolis was born.
Jeff and Tony, a philosopher and a linguist, respectively, infused the brand with their love for science fiction, fantasy, and lore. This creative and modern approach quickly positioned Metropolis as the coffee brand that Chicago didn’t know it needed.
What started as a small operation has since evolved into a robust coffee empire. Today, Metropolis roasts in an impressive 18,000-square-foot roastery along the North Branch of the Chicago River, and they just opened a state-of-the-art cafe at O’Hare. Despite this growth, they’ve stayed true to their roots, still operating the cozy Edgewater Café where it all began.
Metropolis’ reach now extends far beyond Chicagoland. You’ll find their meticulously crafted coffee in hundreds of multifamily communities, partner cafés, restaurants, grocers, hotels and offices across North America, Europe and the Middle East. Yet, no matter where their coffee is served, the essence of Metropolis remains the same: an approachable, community-focused brand where everyone has a seat at the table.
At Metropolis, coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a craft. Each batch is hand-roasted to order, with meticulous attention to detail. Their commitment to freshness is unmatched, with every batch nitrogen-flushed to preserve ultimate flavor. This dedication to quality is a reflection of their love for the bean.
It also isn’t just about creating exceptional coffee. It’s about making a positive impact on the global coffee community. All of Metropolis’ coffee is purchased well over the fair trade price from transparent and sustainable brokers and farmers. This commitment ensures that everyone involved in the coffee supply chain benefits, from the growers to the consumers.
Metropolis believes that great coffee should improve the lives of everyone who touches it. This ethos is not only reflected in their sourcing practices, it also means fostering a diverse and supportive environment for their employees and putting immense love and care into every aspect of roasting, packaging, and brewing.
In line with their commitment to fostering a supportive coffee community, Metropolis Coffee created Metropolis Workshop. This co-packing service was designed to help other coffee companies—competitors included—scale their operations without compromising on quality. By sharing their expertise, Metropolis Workshop embodies the company’s dedication to collaboration and community support within the coffee industry.
Metropolis Coffee isn’t your average roaster. With their quirky outlook inspired by the worlds of science fiction and fantasy, they’ve created a brand that’s both innovative and grounded in tradition. Their mission, “Great Coffee for Everyone,” is more than just a slogan—it’s a promise to make great coffee accessible, sustainable and welcoming to all.
In partnering with Metropolis Coffee, SipWithMe isn’t just offering multifamily properties a great cup of coffee. We’re sharing a story—one that’s filled with passion, creativity and a dedication to making the world of coffee a better place. Every sip of Metropolis Coffee is a testament to their commitment to quality and community.
Just like Metropolis, SipWithMe believes that great coffee should improve the lives of everyone it touches (it’s no wonder we make such a great team). In our case, this means creating moments of joy for residents and simplifying life for property management teams.
With all-inclusive pricing, customizable packages, and innovative Cup Allowance technology, SipWithMe not only helps property managers keep costs in check while delivering an exceptional coffee experience. By collaborating with the nation’s top craft roasters and embracing state-of-the-art bean-to-cup devices, we elevate a daily ritual into something truly special. But it’s more than just coffee—it’s about bringing people together, sparking new friendships, and deepening connections within the community.
To learn more about how Metropolis is pursuing their mission to craft “great coffee for everyone,” visit metropoliscoffee.com.
To bring SipWithMe to your multifamily community, get in touch!
