Little Waves Coffee Roasters – Micro-Roasted Coffee with Purpose in Durham, NC

In the thriving cultural hub of Durham, North Carolina, Little Waves Coffee Roasters is making a big impact—one small batch at a time. Founded as the roasting and wholesale wing of Cocoa Cinnamon, this Latina co-owned and women-forward company exemplifies how passion, precision, and inclusivity can redefine specialty coffee.

Latina-Owned and Women-Driven

Little Waves stands apart in a traditionally male-dominated industry by centering its identity on female leadership and Latinx heritage. Co-owned by a team of dynamic women, the roastery integrates community empowerment, cultural diversity, and equity into every level of its operations. It’s not just about roasting coffee—it’s about creating opportunities and telling stories through each cup.

Their presence in Durham’s Lakewood neighborhood is more than just a physical space—it’s a cultural cornerstone, drawing in locals and coffee lovers from across North Carolina and beyond.

Micro-Roasting with Global Reach

At the heart of Little Waves’ craft is their Loring S15 Falcon, an energy-efficient, precision roaster that allows them to micro-roast seasonal, single-origin coffees with exceptional control and sustainability. Their approach emphasizes relationship sourcing, working directly with producers to ensure transparency, fairness, and mutual growth.

From the farms of Guatemala to the hills of Ethiopia, Little Waves brings in the world’s finest beans and roasts them with care. Each roast is fine-tuned to highlight terroir, character, and nuance—perfect for both home brewers and professional baristas seeking bold yet balanced flavor.

Wholesale & Community-Centric Growth

As the wholesale arm of Cocoa Cinnamon, Little Waves Coffee Roasters supplies cafés, restaurants, and retail shops with fresh, traceable, and ethically roasted coffee. Whether you're looking to partner with a progressive, quality-focused roaster or simply want to bring exceptional beans into your home, they make it easy to access world-class coffee with values to match.

Their team also invests in community outreach and education, supporting causes and platforms that uplift marginalized voices. Every aspect of their brand is built around connection and collaboration, aiming to make coffee more inclusive, both in origin and experience.

Elevating Specialty Coffee from Durham to the World

Durham, NC, has become a center for culinary and creative innovation—and Little Waves Coffee Roasters is at the forefront. Their influence extends nationally through their award-winning coffees, their thoughtful sourcing model, and their reputation for integrity and quality.

Whether you’re sipping a limited-release pour-over at Cocoa Cinnamon or brewing a Little Waves espresso at home, you're participating in a bigger story—one rooted in justice, craft, and joy.

Visit Little Waves Coffee Roasters to explore their offerings or start a wholesale partnership. Because sometimes, it’s the little waves that move the biggest tides.