ABOUT

RELAY Coffee Roasters is passionate about creating a memorable coffee experience. One rooted in exceptional coffee and genuine hospitality. At the heart of our mission is a simple yet powerful idea: putting people first. This means caring deeply for the farmers who grow our coffee, and the customers and communities we serve every day.

Founded by husband and wife team Jason and Rachel Hofing, RELAY Coffee Roasters is proud to roast certified organic and Fair Trade certified coffees from a wide range of origins. We believe in supporting the economic independence of coffee farmers and investing in the well-being of the communities where they live and work. Our commitment to sustainability extends to how coffee is grown, free from harmful pesticides and positive agricultural and environmental practices as to ensure a healthier planet, stronger communities, and ultimately, a better cup of coffee.

We take great pride in the craftsmanship of roasting in small batches, with SKILL, CARE, & CRAFTSMANSHIP. Every coffee we roast is thoughtfully profiled. We balance time, temperature, colour, and aroma to bring out each coffee's unique character, flavour, and complexity.

Our Story

2008, September – Began roasting in Hamilton, ON under the name Red Hill Coffee Trade
2011, February – Opened our first coffee bar at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market
2013, October – Launched a second location, our first brick-and-mortar café, on Concession Street
2014, December – Rebranded as RELAY Coffee Roasters
2019, May – Opened our third café at 27 King William Street in downtown Hamilton
2023, September - Celebrated 15 years of roasting and brewing brilliance for Hamilton and the GHTA

Our Community

RELAY believes in the power of community. Over the years, we’ve proudly taken part in events like Supercrawl, Art Crawl, Food & Drink Fest, Seven Sundays in Gage Park, the Makers Market, the Niagara Food & Wine Show, Because Beer, Winterfest, and many more.

We’re honoured to sponsor a number of local organizations and cultural initiatives including Supercrawl, Hammer City Roller Derby, the Hamilton Film Festival, the Art Gallery of Hamilton Film Festival, the Hamilton Fringe Festival, and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Recognition

RELAY Coffee Roasters (Red Hill Coffee Trade Inc.) is the proud recipient of the 1AWARD from FirstOntario Credit Union and The Hamilton Spectator (2012) and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Small Business Award (2013).