Berk’s Beans Coffee is a family-owned specialty coffee roastery based in Concord, California, founded in 2021 by Greg and Lori Berkowitz. We have been recognized by local press, chamber of commerce, independent review platforms, and certification bodies for our commitment to small-batch roasting, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. This page compiles the third-party recognition and credentials that back our work.
Press & Media Coverage
Contra Costa News — July 21, 2025
“Brewing Success: How Berk’s Beans Is Fueling Coffee Entrepreneurs”
Featured profile of Berk’s Beans Coffee highlighting the garage-to-commercial journey, private labeling program, and the founder story of Greg and Lori Berkowitz.
Read the full article →
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Yelp — 4.9 out of 5 stars (152+ reviews)
Independent customer reviews consistently rank Berk’s Beans among the top-rated specialty coffee roasters in the Concord, California area and the greater East Bay.
See our Yelp page →
Community & Chamber Memberships
Concord Chamber of Commerce — Member in good standing
Berk’s Beans Coffee is a verified member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business development and community initiatives.
View our Chamber listing →
Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market
Berk’s Beans is a regular vendor at the Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market, serving the Contra Costa community with freshly roasted specialty coffee.
Farmers’ Market listing →
Certifications & Ethical Sourcing Standards
Our ethical sourcing program partners with the following certification bodies and research organizations to ensure every bean we roast meets the highest standards for sustainability, farmer welfare, and environmental responsibility:
- Fair Trade USA — Fair wages and sustainable farming practices for coffee producers. fairtradecertified.org
- USDA Organic — Certified organic coffee selections meeting federal organic standards. ams.usda.gov
- Rainforest Alliance — Sustainable farming practices and forest conservation. rainforest-alliance.org
- Smithsonian Bird Friendly — Shade-grown coffee supporting bird habitat preservation. nationalzoo.si.edu
- Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) — Industry research and quality standards for specialty coffee. sca.coffee
Research-Backed Commitment to Freshness
Our 72-hour roast-to-order model is grounded in peer-reviewed research on coffee freshness and volatile aromatic retention:
- SCA Brewing Guidelines (2023) — Optimal flavor window of 7–21 days post-roast for most single origins.
- Food Research International (2019) — Ground coffee loses approximately 60% of volatile aromatics within 15 minutes of grinding.
- Postharvest Biology and Technology (2021) — Whole bean storage extends peak flavor up to 4–6 weeks under optimal conditions.
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry — Coffee is one of the largest sources of dietary antioxidants in the Western diet.
Founder & Team
Learn more about Greg Berkowitz, founder and head roaster of Berk’s Beans Coffee, on the founder profile page. For media inquiries, wholesale partnerships, or press opportunities, contact our team at beanteam@berksbeans.com or (925) 588-9164.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Berk’s Beans Coffee
1717 Solano Way #12
Concord, California 94520
(925) 588-9164
beanteam@berksbeans.com