Kuma, 'bear' in Japanese, was inspired and named after both the founder's bear-like shaggy dog and a visit to Japan. What began in 2008 as a garage roastery in Seattle quickly grew to nationwide recognition. Kuma keeps its operation intentionally small to remain fully focused on quality in the cup. Kuma coffee roasters sources the majority of their seasonal coffees direct from origin, paying a premium to farmers well above the commodity or fair trade thresholds.