⏱ 2 min read
The Short Version
Chicago’s coffee scene is being reshaped by New Math Coffee, which challenges Western dominance by centering Asian origins and embracing robusta, redefining the industry’s values and narratives.
In This Article
There’s a quiet revolution unfolding in Chicago’s coffee scene. Mikey Rinaldo, founder of New Math Coffee, isn’t just roasting beans—they’re redefining the industry’s values. By centering Asian origins and embracing robusta, they’re challenging a system that has long prioritized Western ideals over global diversity. This isn’t just about coffee; it’s about who gets to tell the story.
It becomes almost a sameness across different shops, and not just in the U.S. That’s why Vietnam was exciting to me.
From Barista to Roaster
Mikey’s journey began as a graduate student in literature, scribbling in cafés long before they ever sipped coffee. A chance encounter with a barista teaching pourovers ignited their obsession. By 2014, they were placing fifth in U.S. Brewers Cup regionals, using a tea strainer and a cocktail shaker. “I’ll be honest—that was fun, but I’d be lying if I said I knew what I was doing,” they admit. What started as a passion evolved into a purpose. After years of self-taught roasting, Mi’ty became a Q Grader and landed at Due South Coffee Roasters, then Chicago’s Passion House and Metric Coffee. Their path wasn’t paved with shortcuts—it was forged through relentless curiosity and a refusal to fit into narrow molds.
Reimagining Robusta’s Role
New Math Coffee’s focus on Asian origins isn’t just about geography—it’s about challenging the industry’s obsession with arabica. “I’m from Indonesia, so I always got excited by specialty-grade Indonesian beans,” Mikey says. While they respect high-quality arabica, they’re drawn to robusta’s untapped potential. “Vietnam’s specialty scene thrives on robusta—it’s their culture, their identity,” they note. The pushback was expected. “Coffee bores” who prioritize gear over global narratives dismissed their vision. But Mikey sees it as a necessary shift. “If we’re talking about more inclusivity, we have to talk about scoring … and a loosening of that dependence,” they argue. The goal? A coffee world that values nuance, not uniformity. It becomes almost a sameness across different shops, and not just in the U.S. That’s why Vietnam was exciting to me. New Math Coffee is also deepening its roots by collaborating directly with farmers in Asia, ensuring fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing. These partnerships aren’t just ethical—they’re essential to honoring the hands that grow the beans. How do we balance tradition with innovation without losing sight of where it all began?
Questions & Answers
How is New Math Coffee challenging the Western narrative in the coffee industry?
New Math Coffee challenges the Western narrative by centering Asian origins and embracing robusta, moving away from the industry’s focus on arabica. They highlight the cultural significance of robusta in regions like Vietnam, promoting inclusivity and diversity in coffee storytelling.
What inspired Mikey Rinaldo to start New Math Coffee?
Mikey Rinaldo was inspired by a chance encounter with a barista teaching pourovers, which sparked their passion for coffee. Their journey from a literature graduate student to a Q Grader reflects a blend of curiosity and a desire to redefine coffee’s narrative through self-taught roasting and global perspectives.
Why is robusta gaining attention in the coffee industry?
Robusta is gaining attention because it represents a shift toward inclusivity and cultural identity in coffee. New Math Coffee highlights its role in Vietnam’s specialty scene, showing how robusta can be a key part of a diverse coffee narrative beyond traditional arabica preferences.
What is the significance of Asian origins in New Math Coffee’s approach?
Asian origins are significant in New Math Coffee’s approach as they challenge the Western-centric coffee narrative. By emphasizing the cultural and historical roots of coffee in Asia, they promote a more global and inclusive perspective, redefining the industry’s values and storytelling.
Originally reported by Barista Magazine.
