Welcome to Populace.
Our story starts in Bay City, Michigan, winds its way to Grand Rapids, and reaches wherever a great cup of coffee is needed.
WHO WE ARE
Populace Coffee Co began back in 2010 with a simple belief: good coffee should feel welcoming, not intimidating. Over the years we’ve built direct trade relationships with producers who care deeply about their craft, and in 2025, we packed up our roaster and made Grand Rapids our home.
Today, our mission is still pretty simple — make high-quality, ethically sourced coffee accessible to everyone.
Because coffee isn’t just for connoisseurs. It’s for grocery shoppers, early risers, late-night creatives, and anyone who enjoys a moment of calm and connection in the middle of a busy day.
We believe in:
• Social responsibility
• Direct trade & long-term farmer partnerships
• Ethical sourcing
• Local community & accessibility
• Approachable, no-ego coffee culture
And we believe we’re all on the same team — farmers, roasters, baristas, and everyday people just trying to make their morning better.
Our Team
Joshua Walker
Coffee Guru
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.