Torke Coffee Co. has come a long way in 75 years. To start, it no longer makes coffee deliveries by horse and buggy. It has also been able to weather the ups and downs and the economy thanks to dedicated staff, a diverse customer base and a philosophy of building positive relationships with its customers.
"Ultimately, our success is due to great and loyal employees, suppliers and customers," said Chief Operating Office Jay Torke.
Torke represents the fourth generation to be working at the family business. He sister, Lynda, also works at company, as well as his 80-year-old father. On September 29, Torke Coffee Co. will be celebrating 75 years in business.
A long and local history
Torke Coffee Co. was founded in the late 1930s when Torke's great grandfather and grandfather purchased the Sheboygan Coffee Co. They incorporated the business in 1941 and changed the name to Torke Coffee Co. It now employs 60 people and delivers coffee in three service segments: consumer retail, foodservice and vending/office coffee service (OCS). The company roasts its own coffee and offers private label to a variety of operators in the Midwest and central United States, including USDA Organic and Fair Trade beans. In 2017, the company plans to double its production capacity with a plant expansion in Sheboygan.
"It's a great time to be in coffee," said Torke. There will be a corporate event in the fall to celebrate its 75 years in business and the future looks bright for this Wisconsin coffee roaster.
