When you walk into Rescued Roasters, you can feel it immediately: the warmth, the community, and the unmistakable sense that this small neighborhood shop is doing something much bigger than serving coffee. It’s a place where passion for small‑batch roasting meets a deep commitment to animal rescue, and where every cup poured helps support the pets who need it most. And it’s not just Ben and Brittany who carry that mission; their whole team does. Every employee we’ve met shared the same genuine love for animals and the same excitement about helping rescues.
Ben and Brittany opened Rescued Roasters in September 2022, but the story started long before that. Ben’s first job was as a barista, and during the pandemic he started coffee roasting as a side project. He dreamed of opening a neighborhood shop: a place where people didn’t have to drive out of the community just to get a good cup of coffee.
At home, they had two cats and one dog and quickly learned just how much goes into rescue work. They wanted to help, but as Brittany joked, they couldn’t exactly adopt every animal in need “unless they wanted a zoo at their house.” So, they found another way to give back. And Rescued Roasters was born.
Rescued Roasters is known for its small‑batch roasted beans — crafted right on site. They’re also home to Knights Popcorn, a beloved local brand dating back to the 1950s. Everything is made in-house, by hand, and with the same care they put into their rescue partnerships.
The shop quickly became a neighborhood staple, and as they grew, so did their mission. They’ve hosted adoption events for both dogs and cats, and recently even celebrated a successful meet‑and‑greet that led to a forever home. For Ben, seeing his lifelong dream of coffee roasting blend with their collective passion for rescue work has been incredibly rewarding.
One of the most recognizable parts of Rescued Roasters’ mission is their Rescue of the Month program: a name chosen because it clearly reflects what they do and why they do it.
Each month, a different rescue organization is featured. Customers ask about it as soon as the calendar flips; it’s become part of the rhythm of the shop. Families looking to adopt a new furry family member come straight to Rescued Roasters for guidance, knowing Ben and Brittany can help connect them with rescues they’ve worked with personally. Rescues can sign up through the tab on their website, and many join after hearing about the program through word of mouth or meeting the team at community events. There’s no complicated nomination process, nor long application to complete.
https://www.rescuedroasters.com
Featured rescues are given a promo code to share with their supporters. When customers use that code, 10% of the coffee purchased with that code goes directly back to the rescue. Some rescues are now able to bring adoptable animals to the shop during their feature month, turning Rescued Roasters into a joyful hub of wagging tails and hopeful hearts. In the future, Ben and Brittany hope to create a special roast dedicated to each Rescue of the Month, strengthening the partnership even further.
Rescued Roasters chooses partners who align with their values, especially rescues that treat animals with the same compassion shown to Pabst and Bourbon, their own rescue dogs. Pabst is the current CEO of the business and has the final approval for rescues in their program. They’ve built relationships with rescues they’ve adopted from, rescues they’ve met at events, and rescues recommended by the community.
Communication is simple and supportive: an email goes out about a week before the feature month with the promo code, expectations, and space for questions. Rescues are encouraged to share the program with their followers, and they may choose to visit the shop with adoptable animals.
Rescued Roasters tracks the impact of their give-back efforts, and last year alone they donated over $1,800 to rescue organizations. Their mission continues to grow through partnerships with groups like Roxz’s Resources & Awareness and Lucky Mutts, both of whom were among Rescued Roasters’ earliest supporters. Volunteers from MADACC also bring adoptable dogs in for “Fido Fieldtrips” complete with pup cups. But their community involvement doesn’t stop at rescue work.
One of the most beloved community programs at Rescued Roasters is Aprende’ with Senora Betty, a bilingual story time held on the first Wednesday of each month during fall, winter, and spring.
The program began when Ben and Brittany met Senora Betty at a farmer’s market. Together, they created a space where parents could enjoy coffee while their children participated in stories, songs, and activities. The program has grown every month; so much so that families showed up even during the summer break because they didn’t want to miss it. It’s become a cherished part of the community’s routine.
In addition to Rescue of the Month and Aprende’ with Senora Betty, Rescued Roasters is an active part of the team that hosts Pawtoberfest in West Allis each year. This is an annual event held at the end of September, and it provides a chance for those who attend to meet some of the local non-profit animal rescues.
Rescued Roasters has no shortage of ideas; only a shortage of time to make them all happen. Future dreams include:
Plant Bingo
Craft Mates
A community Book Club
Dedicated rescue-specific coffee roasts
Bringing coffee to places like MADACC for volunteers walking dogs
Their mission is simple: keep finding new ways to support rescues, families, and the community they love. Beyond buying coffee, Rescued Roasters encourages everyone to volunteer with their local animal rescue. Whether it’s fostering, walking dogs, donating supplies, or sharing adoptable animals online, every act of kindness helps. Their partnerships with rescues across Wisconsin, including those with statewide foster networks, continue to expand the reach of their Rescue of the Month program.
Their story is a mission fueled by passion. Behind the scenes, the heart of Rescued Roasters is simple: Ben’s dream of roasting coffee since he was 16, combined with a shared passion for helping animals. Having their love for coffee blend naturally with their commitment to helping rescue work has been a highlight of building Rescued Roasters.
Rescued Roasters isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s a community hub, a rescue advocate, and a place where compassion is brewed into every cup.