When you think about coffee, what comes to mind? For us at Rahm Roast, it’s more than a morning pick-me-up; it’s the warmth of tradition, family stories, and a shared love that spans generations. Led by Dr. Christina Rahm and her son Duquesne Cook, Rahm Roast is a passion project born from years of cherished memories fueled by a commitment to clean coffee.
A Family Tradition, Brewed Daily
Coffee has always been woven into the Rahm family’s story. Holiday mornings started early growing up, not because of the gifts under the tree or Thanksgiving dinner preparations but because of the chance to share coffee with the adults. The kids would eagerly rush downstairs to join the adults, gathering around for the magic of “grown-up time,” a mug of coffee (mostly milk) in hand. There was a feeling of importance in those moments, being welcomed into the ritual that united generations over laughter, warmth, and conversation.
As the years passed and Duquesne left for college, coffee continued to be a connection point. When he would come home for the holidays, he and his mom would slip away to a nearby coffee shop to catch up. These coffee outings became their way of carving out one-on-one time. Over mugs of rich, aromatic coffee, they shared stories, dreams, and their mutual love for books. These coffee shop conversations fostered a dream for Duquesne— to one day work in the coffee industry, maybe even own a coffee shop himself.
Building a Legacy Through Shared Experiences
The journey to Rahm Roast and developing one of the best organic coffees was not the first time Dr. Rahm and Duquesne had collaborated. Together, they worked on the Rahm Foundation, a nonprofit focused on fundraisers to support people’s education and assist single mothers. Through this work, they both developed a deep sense of purpose and commitment to supporting others, values that would later become part of Rahm Roast’s mission.
Beyond their nonprofit work, Duquesne interned at several of his mother’s businesses, gaining valuable experience in entrepreneurship from high school onward. One of his earliest roles involved doing data entry, a job he admittedly wasn’t passionate about. Yet, these early experiences were essential, laying the groundwork for their future partnership in Rahm Roast. Dr. Rahm could see that Duquesne’s true passion lay elsewhere, and she wanted to create something that would not only fulfill his dream but also allow them to continue working together in a meaningful way.
The Inspiration Behind Rahm Roast: To Create the Best Organic Coffee with Passion and Purpose
For Duquesne, coffee had always been more than a beverage; it held a deep personal connection. “Coffee really became a love for me. I’ve had so many pivotal moments in my life that happened over coffee,” he reflects. This personal passion for coffee was a driving force behind Rahm Roast.
For Dr. Rahm, the inspiration came from a different but complementary perspective. She saw a problem in the coffee industry with rising mold contamination and became determined to create a “better coffee for the world.” Dr. Rahm’s innovative spirit led her to shape the cleaning process to ensure that Rahm Roast would be a safe, mold-free option for coffee lovers. This vision for a healthier coffee product was critical to shaping the brand’s identity.
“Most importantly, Rahm Roast has allowed me to live out one of my dreams while also offering a way to do something meaningful together with my mom,” Duquesne explains. Through Rahm Roast, they could create a product that embodied their family’s values and shared purpose—connecting over coffee and helping others.
The Birth of Rahm Roast: Crafting a Dream Together
Naming the brand Rahm Roast was more than a nod to family pride; it was a way to honor three generations. The name “Rahm” comes from Steve Rahm, Duquesne’s grandfather and Dr. Rahm’s father, a steadfast coffee lover all his life. Known affectionately as “Papa,” Steve had often wished to see his name live on. Rahm Roast was created to honor his legacy, a daily reminder of his enduring influence on their family.
A Commitment to Quality, Built on Love
Rahm Roast is committed to more than great-tasting coffee—Dr. Christina Rahm and Duquesne are committed to creating the best organic coffee. From our sourcing process to our roasting techniques, every step is meticulously designed to create an organic coffee that we’re proud to put our name on. Working together to build this brand, Dr. Rahm and Duquesne have infused it with the values that shape their family: authenticity, resilience, and a dedication to health and well-being.
"I wanted to create the best organic coffee possible—a product that not only brings people together but also prioritizes health by ensuring it’s free from harmful mold," says Dr. Christina Rahm.
Creating Rahm Roast has been a labor of love, a way to share our family’s cherished tradition with others while addressing an industry problem. We believe coffee should taste great and be clean and free of harmful contaminants. With Rahm Roast, you’re not just brewing a cup; you’re joining a legacy of family values, dreams, and, most importantly, quality coffee.
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