Episode description

One Big Island in Space: Revolutionizing the Coffee Industry with Farm Direct Coffee

The podcast features Restaurant Technologies Group hosting Michelle and Robert Fish, co-founders of One Big Island in Space and Biggby Coffee. Michelle and Robert share their passion for supporting coffee farmers directly and promoting environmentally friendly farming methods. They speak about their missions to build long-term relationships with mid-sized farmers across the globe, ensuring fair treatment of workers, sustainable farming practices, and community investment. They discuss the intricacies of the coffee industry, the predatory practices it often harbors, and the efforts needed to navigate the enormously complex supply chain. They aim to shift their coffee supply to 100% farm-direct by 2028, aiming to support people in building a life they love, while also preserving the planet. They believe consumers could empower such change if educated about the impacts of their coffee choices.

00:00 Introduction to the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast
00:31 Guest Introduction: Michelle and Robert Fish
01:08 The Journey of Biggby Coffee
01:25 The Threats to Coffee Production
02:28 The Creation of One Big Island in Space
02:49 The Direct Trade Model and its Impact
04:20 The Importance of Ethical Farming Practices
04:50 The Global Reach of Coffee Production
05:24 The History and Atmosphere of Biggby Coffee Cafes
08:28 The Inception of One Big Island in Space
08:47 The Importance of Core Values in Business
13:04 The Reality of Coffee Production
25:10 The Future of One Big Island in Space
29:42 Conclusion and How to Support the Mission