The Becharas Brothers Coffee Co. is celebrating 112 years of business this year. It was founded in 1914 by to Greek immigrant brothers in Chicago. They invited their nephew move the states as well to come work with them in the 1920s. It was him, Dean D. Becharas, who opened a branch in Detroit and then later Highland Park.

Today the Highland Park roasting plant is the last remaining location of the company, and the last institutional roaster in the metro Detroit area.

Nick S. Becharas is the CEO and president of the company. He is the third-generation owner along with his brother, Dean, and is two sisters, Demi and Stephanie. The family business spans across four generations, as Nick’s son, who is also named Nick, and his nephew Paul are also on site daily.   

“It’s a real sense of pride for us to have this kind of longevity and sometimes we take a little bit for granted, until people bring it to our attention,” Nick said.

Photos by Isaiah Lopez/WDET.

The families most prized long-standing tradition in the business is the cupping table. It’s a large, wooden table that spins—kind of like a lazy susan. It’s where they taste and test every bean that is shipped into the factory before it hits the roasting floor. 

Hanging over the table is a picture of Nick’s great uncles cupping coffee. 

“Yeah, that’s my same table. My two great uncles doing the same thing that we’re still doing almost 100 years later,” Nick said.

This story was originally made for the ear. We encourage you to listen to the full piece using the media player above.