The inspiration for Split Rail Coffee’s name comes from its original headquarters on a 3.5 acre park-like property in Granite Bay, California. Previous residents of the property included a number of horses, sheep, and goats, but it eventually became home to me (Tim) and Cidnie…and my U.S. Roaster Corporation coffee roaster. As we grew and got busier, we moved from our idyllic setting to a more commercial area nearby in Rocklin, with more foot traffic and, well, customers around. My journey to becoming a coffee roaster included a long task of converting an old horse stable into my roasting lab and tasting room. It was known as The Coffee Barn…a single room with reclaimed barn wood and shiplap-sided walls. At one end you’d find the roaster, bags of green coffee, and all the area I needed to create the best coffee that I have ever enjoyed. The rest of the room was filled with a large table with bench seating to share and explore the world of coffee with our guests. The farmhouse décor created an atmosphere that reminded us of simpler times…and a time when coffee tastes good.