Five distinct coffee brands under the one roof
When James Conway opened his first coffee shop, Haywire, on Darby Street back in 2017, he had no idea it would lead him to House of Roast, a brand that’s set to revolutionise the coffee scene in the Hunter region.
Now, with two retail spaces – one here in Rutherford and the other on Darby Street – House of Roast is the umbrella brand for five distinct coffee roasters; Glitch, Bliss, Peaberrys, Distribution, and Flamingo Coffee Company.
The concept for House of Roast came from a desire to simplify and unify the broad collection of coffee ventures under James’ belt. With multiple venues roasting different products, it was time to bring everything under one roof, thus House of Roast was born.
“The House of Roast concept is one roof, five brands. You’re actually buying your coffee from House of Roast, and underneath that, there are five very distinct brands with their own identities and, of course, products,” James said.
The aim of House of Roast is built around showcasing the five individual coffee roasting brands at a retail level. Each brand will maintain its identity while benefiting from the shared vision and broader collective of House of Roast, creating a space where customers can explore and appreciate the distinctive qualities of each brand in a single location.
The new House of Roast retail spaces will offer something truly unique for coffee lovers. Whether you visit the Rutherford location or the Darby Street spot, you’ll have access to a wide range of coffee profiles.
Venue Manager, Taylor Schneider, has played an instrumental role in the launch of House of Roast, drawing on his extensive expertise in cafes and coffee. With his understanding of the intricacies of coffee culture and cafe operations, Taylor brings with him a refined approach to the venue, helping to shape the overall House of Roast experience.
James Conway & Taylor Schneider
The in-store experience offers a sleek, modern aesthetic with its clean lines, minimalist design, and stylish decor, creating a vibrant space. The atmosphere is lively, fueled by upbeat music that sets a fun and energetic tone. This buzzing vibe paired with the aroma of freshly roasted beans makes House of Roast an exciting spot to kickstart your day.
At both locations, customers will be able to sample different blends before choosing which one to take home, a feature that James is particularly excited about.
“If you’re looking to purchase some coffee for home, we’ll make you as many coffees on the house until you find what's right for you.”
The Crew blend, a signature offering from Bliss Coffee Roasters, will be a constant feature on the House of Roast coffee menu. It stands out for its Australian origins and reflects the House of Roast’s dedication to local agriculture, a project that took two years to bring to life.
“Drink alone or with the crew. You’ll enjoy this well-balanced blend whilst supporting Australian coffee farmers.”
The coffee bar will also feature two other offerings, one being a Single Origin and a rotating guest blend from one of the other roasters under the House of Roast umbrella.
More than just a coffee brand, House of Roast aims to be a community hub with a strong focus and passion for human connection.
“The feeling of knowing that our product is helping people start their day, that’s what drives me. Knowing the conversations that can happen over our product, it’s really special to know that we’re a part of people’s lives.”
This focus on connection extends beyond retail customers. Wholesale partners are a key part of the business, and the House of Roast team are currently working on a loyalty program called Friends of the House which will allow wholesale customers to dine and drink for free at the House of Roast venues.
“It’s our way to show our support to the people who have supported us over the last seven years.”
As House of Roast moves into the spotlight and the five brands continue on with their individual journeys, James remains focused on evolving and pushing the coffee boundaries.
“Forever Forward is a big part of the brand. No matter what, we’re always aiming to progress.”
While the launch of House of Roast is a major milestone, James isn’t stopping there as the consideration for a third venue may already be on the cards. But for now, the focus is on making House of Roast a destination for coffee lovers in both Rutherford and on Darby Street.
“It’s been a crazy journey these past seven years. To start on the coffee street of Newcastle in 2017, and to be able to return is really exciting.”
With a brand built on connection, quality, and a passion for coffee, House of Roast is set to become a key player in the Hunter region’s coffee scene.
Whether you’re sipping on your daily espresso or down to try a different blend, one thing is certain; House of Roast is more than just a place to grab a coffee – it’s a place to connect, experience, and enjoy.
