Compass Coffee

Compass Coffee is a Washington, D.C.-based coffee roaster and retailer founded in 2014 by former U.S. Marines Michael Haft and Harrison Suarez.

The company has grown from a single café in the Shaw neighborhood to over 25 locations across the Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas, including Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church.

Mission and Coffee Offerings

At the heart of Compass Coffee's mission is the commitment to providing "Real Good Coffee™" that is ethically sourced and expertly roasted.

The company offers a diverse range of coffee products:

• Medium, dark, and light roasts such as the Cherry Blossom Blend, Cardinal Blend, Waypoint Blend, and Breakfast Blend
• Dark roasts like French Roast and Emblem Espresso
• Specialty blends including The Post Roast and Embassy Blend
• Bulk coffee bags in various sizes, cold brew on tap, and single-serve capsules compatible with Nespresso and K-cup machines
• A subscription service called the Coffee Club offering regular deliveries with a 10% discount on every order

Production Facility

Compass Coffee has a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot roastery and production facility in Washington, D.C.'s Ivy City neighborhood.

This facility consolidates roasting, canning, flavor syrup production, bakery, and logistics under one roof.

This setup allows the company to maintain quality control and respond swiftly to market demand.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

The company has partnered with organizations such as Dog Tag Bakery, which offers vocational programs for disabled military veterans and their caregivers.

It also works with The Corp at Georgetown University, a student-run organization teaching management and leadership skills through operating businesses on campus.

These collaborations reflect Compass Coffee's dedication to community engagement and support for veterans and students.

Locations

As of July 2025, Compass Coffee operates 19 locations across the United States, with 14 in Washington, D.C., and 5 in Virginia.

The cafés are situated in various neighborhoods:

• Washington, DC: Shaw, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Navy Yard
• Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church

Additional locations include:

• Washington, DC, USA
• Arlington, VA, USA

Recent Developments

In 2024, Compass Coffee faced a unionization effort at several of its locations, highlighting labor dynamics within the food and beverage industry.

The company has been actively addressing these challenges while continuing to focus on delivering high-quality coffee to its customers.

Summary

Overall, Compass Coffee has established itself as a prominent coffee roaster and retailer in the Washington, D.C., and Virginia regions.

It is known for its commitment to quality, community engagement, and ethical sourcing practices.