Honest Coffee, Thoughtfully Roasted.
Scott, the Roaster
Scott comes to Tieton via a very long and winding road. Growing up in an Army family, his first taste of coffee came as an Air Force aircraft technician and a Coast Guard rescue boatman—where long shifts made coffee a necessity. But it was far from the specialty coffee he would later come to love.
After 30 years in Denver working in aerospace, a high-end espresso machine in his office sparked his deep appreciation for coffee’s rich flavors and complexities. He began exploring locally roasted coffee, learning about varietals, and eventually left aviation to co-found MORU Coffee. There, he built a roastery, launched a successful roasting co-op called RoasterShare, and helped others start their own coffee businesses.
In 2021, life took a sharp turn. Scott left Denver, became a river guide in Moab, and eventually found his way to Yakima. A drive through Tieton led him to an old filling station—an ideal spot for a new coffee roastery. Drawn to the town’s energy and support, he founded El Jefe Coffee to bring better coffee to Central Washington. More than just a roastery, it’s a place for people to explore specialty coffee, refine their palates, and deepen their knowledge. Later this year, he plans to establish another roasting co-op, adding to the town’s hands-on, creative spirit.
For now, stop by North Town in Tieton for a delicious espresso, grab a bag of beans, and let Scott know what you think!
Roasted in Tieton, Washington
Tieton, Washington, is a small orchard town with big creative energy. Nestled in the Yakima Valley, it’s home to a thriving community of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs—perfect for a craft roaster like El Jefe Coffee.
We’re proud to roast alongside some of Tieton’s best:
NorthTown Coffeehouse – Cozy coffee shop with serving El Jefe Coffee.
Panadería Santos – Traditional Mexican pastries and pan dulce.
Boxx Gallery - Non-profit art gallery and
community gathering space.
Don Mateo – Authentic taste of Salvadoran cuisine known for pupusas and carne asada burritos.
Nomad Kitchen & Mercantile – Seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
Fernando's - Authentic Mexican food.
El Nido Cabins - A peaceful stay in six cozy 1940s cabins, just two blocks from Tieton’s town square.
Shorthead Brewing – Craft brewery with small-batch brews.
Tieton Cabin Company – Beautifully designed modern cabins.
Tieton Tea - Premium loose-leaf teas, sourced for exceptional flavor.
Tieton Farm & Creamery - Crafted small-batch cheeses from responsibly raised goats and sheep.
Tieton Mosaic – Handcrafted mosaic art installations.
Mighty Tieton – The creative engine behind Tieton, a hub for artists and entrepreneurs.
Tieton is all about craft and community—just like our coffee. Stop by, explore, and experience what makes this place special.
Sustainability: Good Coffee, Good for the Planet
Great coffee should never come at the expense of the planet. At El Jefe Coffee, we take sustainability seriously. From sourcing our beans responsibly to roasting in a way that minimizes our environmental impact.
Our commitment to eco-friendly roasting is built into every batch we produce. We use a VortX KleanAir systems, an innovative green alternative to traditional afterburners. It uses centrifugal force and atomized water to remove 90% of smoke and odor, reduces VOCs below EPA detectable limits and eliminates half of the CO2 generated by burning propane during roasting. The filtered products are safe to dispose down the drain or can be used as a nutrient-rich compost. This means:
✔ Near zero emissions – No harmful gases contributing to climate change- the exhaust is essentially steam.
✔ No gas consumption – Cutting back on fossil fuel dependence.
✔ Cleaner air for our community – Less smoke, less odor, and a better environment for our neighbors.
We believe that making great coffee should never mean making a bigger carbon footprint. That’s why every decision we make—from our roasting process to our packaging—prioritizes sustainability, so you can enjoy every cup knowing it’s better for you and the planet.
To further reduce our environmental impact, we’ve chosen Biotrē™ for our packaging. Made from 60% compostable, plant-based materials. While no coffee packaging is perfect, Biotrē™ helps us cut down on waste and move toward a more sustainable future—without compromising freshness or quality.
Because at the end of the day, great coffee isn’t just about taste—it’s about impact.