Simple Roast Coffee Company: Brewing Success and Winning the 2025 Rural Small Business of the Year Award

We are thrilled to announce that Simple Roast Coffee Company has been named the recipient of the 2025 Rural Small Business of the Year award! This well-deserved honor celebrates their dedication to quality, community, and growth within the local economy.

Founded by Matt Peirson, Simple Roast Coffee Company began as a humble passion for home brewing coffee. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a thriving business, and today, Simple Roast stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a love for the craft. From local farmers' markets to a successful multi-location business, Matt’s journey reflects both his entrepreneurial spirit and his deep connection to the community.

From Humble Beginnings to Expanding Success
Simple Roast Coffee Company was born out of Matt’s love for the roasting process, which began with a small coffee roaster gifted by his parents. Over time, Matt honed his skills and expanded his knowledge, experimenting with various beans and flavors. In 2012, he established his business, working from a local church's commercial kitchen space and selling his roasts at local farmers' markets. It wasn’t long before word spread, and Simple Roast began to gain recognition for its high-quality coffee and Matt’s passion for the craft.

With the guidance and support of industry mentors and advisors from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Matt made wise business decisions that led to the opening of his first drive-thru kiosk in Auburn. Today, Simple Roast operates three successful locations, with plans for more growth in the near future, including a major roasting capacity expansion.

What Makes Simple Roast Coffee Company Stand Out
What sets Simple Roast Coffee Company apart is Matt’s unwavering commitment to his customers and his craft. His dedication to sourcing high-quality beans, perfecting the roasting process, and providing an exceptional customer experience has earned him a loyal following. Simple Roast isn’t just about coffee; it’s about fostering a sense of community and creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through the doors.
Matt’s passion for coffee is matched only by his passion for business growth. Whether it’s adding new locations, expanding operations, or investing in advanced roasting equipment, he consistently looks for opportunities to evolve and scale his company. His success story serves as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs in the rural community, proving that with hard work and the right support, anything is possible.

SBDC’s Role in Their Success
As Matt reflects on the journey that has brought Simple Roast to where it is today, he credits the invaluable guidance and support he received from his SBDC advisors. “I’ve been working with the SBDC for many years,” Matt shared. “Their guidance with start-up, drafting a business plan, and launching a website was invaluable. Now they’re providing much-needed guidance on marketing and training to help my business grow. Starting and growing a business would have been much harder without the SBDC.”

This partnership has been instrumental in helping Matt navigate the challenges of growing a small business, and it has played a key role in the company’s ongoing success.

A Bright Future Ahead
As Simple Roast Coffee Company continues to grow, Matt and his team remain committed to serving the community with the same passion and excellence that has made their business a local favorite. With plans to expand to a fourth location in 2025, and the ongoing improvement of their roasting capacity, the future looks bright for Simple Roast.


Congratulations to Matt Jones and Simple Roast Coffee Company for receiving the 2025 Rural Small Business of the Year award. Your hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. We look forward to celebrating your continued success in the years to come!