Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Turner.
Hi Steve , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always believed that kindness is a powerful force. Growing up in Texas, I was surrounded by people who lived with generosity and grit, and that shaped how I saw the world. After serving as an Army Ranger and deploying to Afghanistan, I returned home with a deeper appreciation for community and the simple things—like a good cup of coffee shared with a friend.
While studying at Texas A&M, I started roasting coffee in my garage. It was a hobby at first, but it quickly became a passion. I loved the science behind it, the craft, and most of all, the way coffee brought people together. That’s when the idea for Polite Coffee Roasters began to take shape—not just as a business, but as a way to serve kindness one cup at a time.
In 2020, we opened Polite Coffee in the historic Kyle House in Downtown Bryan. It felt like the perfect place to build something rooted in Texas heritage and hospitality. From day one, our mission has been to make great coffee and treat people with respect. We’ve grown from a small roasting operation into a brand that’s now served across Texas A&M’s campus and beyond, but we’ve never lost sight of our values.
Today, Polite Coffee is more than a roastery—it’s a community. We’re proud to support local causes, mentor young entrepreneurs, and create a space where everyone feels welcome. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. And we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Polite Coffee Roasters was fueled by passion, but building a business from scratch is never easy. In the early days, I was roasting coffee in small batches, trying to learn everything from sourcing beans to managing inventory. I didn’t have a background in business—just a deep love for coffee and a belief that kindness should be at the heart of everything we do.
One of the biggest challenges was opening during the pandemic. We launched in 2020, right as the world was shutting down. Navigating supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer habits, and keeping our team safe was a constant balancing act. There were moments when I questioned whether we’d make it.
Another struggle was finding the right space. The Kyle House is now our home, but getting it ready took time, resources, and a lot of patience. We wanted to honor its history while creating a welcoming space for the community—and that meant doing things the hard way sometimes.
But through it all, we’ve stayed true to our mission: serve great coffee and treat people with respect. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been meaningful. Every challenge has helped shape who we are today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Polite Coffee Roasters. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Polite Coffee Roasters, we believe coffee should be more than just a beverage—it should be an experience rooted in kindness, community, and craftsmanship. We’re based in the historic Kyle House in Downtown Bryan, Texas, and everything we do is guided by our motto: Serve kindness one cup at a time.
We specialize in ethically sourced, small-batch roasted coffee that highlights the unique profiles of beans from around the world. Our team is obsessed with quality—from the way we roast to how we brew—and we’re proud to offer a lineup that includes both approachable blends and adventurous single origins.
One of our most beloved offerings is Friends & Family, a signature blend that embodies everything we stand for. It’s warm, balanced, and welcoming—just like the people who inspired it. This coffee was created to be shared, whether you’re catching up with old friends or welcoming someone new into your life. It’s our best-seller for a reason: it’s comforting, familiar, and consistently delicious.
What sets us apart isn’t just the coffee—it’s the culture. We’re known for our hospitality, our commitment to local partnerships, and our deep roots in Texas heritage. Whether you’re grabbing a cup at our café, ordering online, or sipping Polite Coffee at one of our campus locations, we want you to feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the way our values show up in everything we do. From our packaging to our customer service, we aim to reflect warmth, integrity, and a little bit of Texas charm. We’re not just selling coffee—we’re building a movement around everyday politeness.
For readers who haven’t met us yet, we invite you to stop by the Kyle House, explore our offerings online, or simply share a cup with someone you care about. Because at Polite Coffee, it’s not just about what’s in the mug—it’s about how it makes you feel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.politecoffeeroasters.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/politecoffeeroasters
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/politecoffee
Image Credits
Destination Bryan
