Black Oak Coffee Roasters was established in December 2012 by Jon Frech and Keith Feigin in Ukiah, California, where they purchased the former Coffee Critic location. The team's primary roaster for the first 11 years was a salvaged 1955 Probat, and head roaster Thomas Chandler uses a blind screening process to evaluate all coffee samples before committing to any selection. The roastery installed a catalytic air scrubber that reduces CO2 emissions from roasting by over 50% and powers roughly two thirds of its electrical usage with renewable energy. Select coffees are sourced 100% from female owned farms and cooperatives, with 10% of profits directed to Grounds for Health, supporting women in coffee growing regions. Black Oak has won the Golden Bean North America overall championship twice and the America's Best Espresso title, and its coffee is featured in Michelin starred restaurants and distributed through Costco.