Cartel Roasting Co began in 2007 as a single coffee cart in Tempe, Arizona, founded by Amy and Jason Silberschlag. The company has grown into a full production roastery with 13 locations across Arizona and California while maintaining a light roasting philosophy designed to preserve the nuanced flavors of each origin. All green coffee is sourced at specialty grade through a longstanding partnership with importer Mercanta, which has supplied the roastery since 2010. The Silberschlags have deliberately avoided outside investment, choosing in 2025 to crowdfund their expansion through community ownership on StartEngine rather than taking private equity. Cartel's approach treats coffee much like fine wine, with careful attention to how terroir and processing shape the character of each lot.