Sue and John Krepelka are smiling as they stand behind a coffee station with two large coffee dispensers. There are paper cups stacked and a sign that reads 'Coffee provided by Blue Rock Coffee, Specialty Roasters. Have a great day!'

Our Story

We are Sue and John, a wife-and-husband team who share a love of coffee and the simple ritual that comes with it. That first sip in the morning is still one of our favorite parts of the day.

How it started

What began as roasting coffee at home grew into something we wanted to share. We started by creating roasts we genuinely enjoyed and sharing them with family and friends. Over time, it became clear this was something bigger. Today, we are proud to share those same coffees with you.

Meet Sue & John

Sue was raised in southern New Jersey. She earned her nursing degree from Villanova University and her Master’s in Health Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

John grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Villanova University, where he earned his degree in accounting. He later received his MBA in Finance from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Together we love to travel and explore new places. You’ll often find us at the beach, on a hike or at our favorite winery. We enjoy spending time with our kids, their partners and our grandpets.

John and Sue Krepelka smiling as they sit together at a table.
Delaware blue rocks laid out along a path. Small pebbles and dirt are visible around the bottom of each stone.

Why Blue Rock

We named our roastery Blue Rock Coffee as an homage to our adopted home of Delaware. The Wilmington Blue Rock is one of the region’s most recognizable natural features, grounding us in the place we live and serve.

That sense of connection carries through in everything we do.

Maggie, a golden haired senior dog standing on a wood floor. She's looking up with sparkling eyes and a smile.

The meaning behind the roasts

Each Blue Rock roast is named after a beloved pet, honoring the animals who have been part of our lives over the years. That connection is personal, and it reflects the care we bring to every batch we roast.

How we source and give back

Our work extends beyond the roastery. We partner with a global community of farmers and suppliers who are committed to quality and responsible sourcing. We believe that everyone involved, from the people growing the coffee to the people enjoying it, is part of what makes each cup meaningful.

Closer to home, we give back by donating a portion of our sales to local nonprofit animal organizations, rotating support throughout the year to reach as many as we can.

Coffee with a purpose

At its core, Blue Rock Coffee is about more than what is in the cup. It is about the people, the relationships, and the small, meaningful moments that coffee helps create every day.

Heart shape made of coffee beans with two green leaves below on blue background.