The Unseen Bean
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coffee roasting, Café |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Gerry Leary |
| Headquarters | Boulder , United States |
| Products | Coffee, coffee roasting |
The Unseen Bean is a café and coffee roasting enterprise located in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 2004 by Gerry Leary, who has been blind since birth, the company initially focused on selling small-batch roasted coffee before launching a retail café in March 2007. Promoting the brand as "blind roasted coffee," Leary, a disability advocate, aims to engage customers through this distinctive positioning.
Leary manages the roasting operation with specialized adaptive equipment, including talking thermometers and timers, while using his senses of smell and hearing to determine the roast quality. His guide dog, prominently featured on the product packaging, plays a vital role in the business. The company has earned recognition, notably being highlighted in Denver magazine 5280 in 2008.
Certified as a Master Coffee Roaster by both the Coffee Training Institute and West Coast Specialty Coffee Company in San Francisco, Leary combines expert roasting skills with a compelling business narrative. The Unseen Bean targets niche audiences interested in specialty coffee and social impact through its commitment to quality and unique story.