Founders & Owners

Stuart and Sara Sutherland

Stuart’s first job was in coffee at just 13 years old. Working at a coffee cart in downtown Sacramento, he quickly found himself drinking straight shots of espresso and loving it. Sara grew up on Folgers and Coffee Mate, but one night found herself in an espresso bar with a vanilla latte which changed everything.

Stuart & Sara’s love of coffee found its way into their marriage where they begin, and sometimes end, each day by sharing a cup of coffee. Stuart is a perpetual learner and constantly collecting new means for preparing coffee. One night the Sutherlands found themselves in a local coffeehouse while coffee was being roasted. They were drawn into a conversation with the roaster, this turned into a part time gig and a new chapter in Stuart’s coffee career.

Subsequently Stuart designed and built a coffee roaster and ran a coffee business out of their garage. The Sutherlands dreamed of having a coffeehouse to serve as a hub for community and the arts. In 2013 after training at Portland’s American Coffee and Barista School the Sutherlands founded Heritage.

Further Coffee Experience 

Stuart has started 3 coffee businesses and has consulted several others before their launch. His wealth of coffee knowledge spreads from coffeehouse design, barista training, roasting training, equipment repair and organizational leadership. He loves to train and has taught community college courses on coffee history, roasting theory and barista skills. Stuart has traveled across the world learning and teaching coffee.

Fun Facts

Stuart and Sara are both avid backpackers, and love living in the country spending much of their time outdoors. Stuart also mountain bikes and enjoys some mountaineering, summiting Mt. Shasta 3 times and hopes to break his Grandfather’s record of 7 summits.

Production ROaster

Joel Miller

Joel grew up for 18 years in the country of Thailand and has been an addict of the bean since he was 6 years old! He has worked in the cafe industry for a total of 6 years, and specialty coffee for 3.

Joel enjoys spending his time longboarding, hiking, taking care of plants, having bonfires cooking, and writing songs.