The Coffee Industry Mourns the Loss of a Dear Colleague: Bill Kennedy, CEO of The San Franciscan Roaster Company, Passes Away
December 12 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
It is with profound sadness that The San Franciscan Roaster Company announces the passing of its beloved CEO, President, and owner, Bill Kennedy. A titan of the specialty coffee industry, Kennedy’s death leaves a void felt from local roasting rooms to companies worldwide that he inspired and equipped.
Kennedy was far more than a business leader; he was a foundational craftsman and a teacher at heart. His deep knowledge, relentless passion, and unparalleled craftsmanship shaped the tools and techniques of countless roasters, leaving an indelible mark on the craft coffee movement. Before entering the world of coffee, Kennedy served as a teacher and principal—a calling that never faded. He carried that educator's spirit into everything he did, whether explaining the nuances of a roast profile or weaving in historical lessons, always with characteristic warmth, curiosity, and purpose.
Colleagues and friends remember a man of remarkable breadth. In quieter moments, he would share tales of flying small planes in his youth, stories that mirrored his approach to life and business: marked by courage, a thirst for knowledge, and the joy of exploration. His unmistakable laugh, generosity, and wisdom became hallmarks of his leadership.
Bill Kennedy is survived by his loving wife, six children, and an entire industry he helped cultivate. His legacy extends beyond the legendary roasting machines his company produces; it lives on in the people he taught and the culture he built.
The San Franciscan Roaster Company pledges to honor his life by continuing the work he loved, crafting artisan roasters with the excellence he always demanded. Guiding this effort will be the principles he often quoted from The Ideal Team Player: to be “hungry, humble, and smart.” These words will serve as a lasting compass for the team he led.
While Bill Kennedy will be profoundly missed, his teachings, his spirit, and his laughter will not be forgotten. He built more than a company; he built a community and a standard of excellence that will inspire for generations to come.