Gratitude

We are thrilled and humbled to have received multiple awards and recognitions over the years from our peers in the global coffee community and from our community here in Maine. 

While we feel the greatest sense of reward comes from making a positive impact on the world we live in, we are grateful for the recognition because it reflects our deeply held commitments to crafting consistently excellent coffee and promoting positive change. Every accolade is a reminder that we must remain true to those founding values—as a company and as individuals. 

Roaster of the Year

Every year, Roast magazine awards one U.S. macro-roaster for its strong commitment to sustainability, employees, the coffee industry, and community – and, of course, one that roasts coffees of superior quality. We are honored to have been named the Roaster of the Year in 2020.

Other Awards + Recognitions

  • The Discoverer, 10 Coziest East Coast Coffee Shops, 2022
  • Maine magazine, First Annual Readers' Choice, Food + Drink Awards, Best Coffee Shop, 2022
  • Down East, Readers’ Choice, Best Coffee Roaster & Best Coffee Shop, 2022
  • Portland Old Port, Portland, Maine – Best Coffee Shop, 2022
  • Down East, Readers’ Choice, Best Coffee Shop, 2021
  • Portland Buy Local, Hall of Fame, 2018
  • Spurwink, Humanitarian of the Year Award, 2017
  • Maine magazine, 50 Mainers Leading By Example, 2017
  • Yankee magazine, Editor’s Choice, 2017
  • Crossroads, Community Business Leader, 2017
  • Portland Phoenix, Best Coffee Shop, 1999-2017
  • Maine MEP, Manufacturing Excellence Award, 2016
  • Down East, Readers’ Choice, Best Coffee Roaster, 2016
  • Portland Phoenix, Best Entrepreneur, 2016
  • Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP), Business Community Partner Award, February 2016
  • FreeportUSA, Member of the Year Award, January 2016
  • Maine Psychological Association, Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award, November 2014
  • SBA, Small Business Persons of the Year — Maine, June 2014
  • CVB, Leadership & Hospitality Award, April 2014
  • The Telling Room, Red Buoy Award, March 2014
  • Shalom House Hope Awards, The Johnson & Korda Innovation Award, 2013
  • Portland Indie Biz, Community Hero, 2013
  • Down East, Readers’ Choice, Best Coffee Shop, 2013
  • Green America, People and Planet Award Finalist, 2012
  • Blackstone, Innovate for Maine Internship Company, 2012
  • Forbes — America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods, Downtown Portland, Maine #11, Coffee By Design recognized, 2012
  • Travel & Leisure — America’s Best Cities for Hipsters, Portland, Maine #5, Coffee By Design noted, 2012
  • Zagat’s recognized, Top Ten Coolest Coffee Shops Around the US, 2012
  • Portland Phoenix, Best Coffee, 1999–2014: Coffee By Design was voted Best Coffee in The Portland Phoenix for ten years straight, earning the business a Dynasty Award in 2009.
  • Maine Sunday Telegram — Readers’ Choice, Best Coffee Shop, 2010-2011
  • Portland Indie Biz, Global Hero, 2011
  • Roasters’ Guild Retreat — Dylan Hardman, CBD Head Roaster; Member of Winning Roasting Team, 2010, 2011
  • Portland Indie Biz, Community Hero, 2009-2010
  • Portland Indie Biz, Resurgam Community Impact & Beacon of My Neighborhood (West End), 2008
  • Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility, Eagle Feather Small Business Winner, 2005
  • Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year, 2005
  • PRSA — Yankee Chapter, Patrick Jackson Award, 2005
  • NAMI, Small Business Award, 2004
  • Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, 2003
  • Aetna, Small Business of the Year Northeast Region, 2003
  • SCAA, TOPS Retailer Award, 2000, 2001, and 2003
  • Gannett Family, Business of the Year, 2002
  • Disability Rights Center, Advocacy Award, 2002
  • Downtown Portland Small Business of the Year, 2000
  • Maine Times Award, Best Coffee Roaster, 1998