Paper Plane Coffee Co.

Inspired by Five Generations of Coffee and the American Grind

Embark on a journey that traces its roots to the picturesque Colombian Mountains, in the town of Sanuario Risaralda, just below the Paper Plains. It was here, approximately 160 years ago, that our family's enduring love affair with coffee began, laying the foundation for what would become Paper Plane Coffee Co.

Established in Brooklyn in 2015 and finding its home in Montclair, NJ, in 2019, Paper Plane Coffee Co. has become more than a coffeehouse—it's a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the pursuit of exceptional coffee. In 2023, we proudly opened the doors to our expanded flagship cafe at 61 N Fullerton Ave, marking a new chapter in our dedication to the craft.

Acknowledged as the 3rd Best Coffee Shop in the state of NJ by the Star Ledger and NJdotcom, our commitment to quality has not only earned accolades but also secured a place for our retail coffee bags at local Whole Foods Markets across NJ. We've graced the pages of prestigious publications, with features in Imbibe magazine, The Washington Post, and Eater, sharing our passion for the perfect cup.

The name Paper Plane is more than just a moniker; it's a play on words, a nod to our secondary farm, nestled higher in the mountain plains, Los Planes De San Rafael, where we grew eucalyptus for the national paper company, Carton Colombia., thus having earned its nickname, the Paper Plains. This symbiotic relationship between land and legacy makes the Paper Plains truly unique, and it's this very uniqueness that infuses every cup of Paper Plane coffee.

At Paper Plane Coffee Co., we're not just roasters; we're custodians of tradition and champions of innovation. Our focus on specialty coffee marries traditional values with third-wave concepts, all while upholding fair green coffee purchasing and eco-friendly practices. It's not just about brewing coffee; it's about crafting an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Beyond the cup, we extend our commitment through wholesale partnerships, comprehensive training programs, and cutting-edge machinery. Whether you're a fellow coffee enthusiast, a discerning cafe owner, or an aspiring barista, we invite you to join us on this journey of taste, heritage, and excellence.

PAPER PLANE COFFEE CO.

MEET THE TEAM

JONATHAN ECHEVERRY - FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

Jonathan is a fifth-generation Colombian coffee grower, first-generation American actor, comedian, host, and founder of Paper Plane Coffee Co. Born into a family rooted in Colombian coffee and Mexican cuisine, Jonathan grew up just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, learning the ins and outs of the restaurant industry at his family’s Mexican restaurants. Summers were spent on his family’s farm in Colombia, where he first discovered his passion for coffee—a passion that would follow him to New York City and beyond.

Jonathan graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2007 and continued to elevate his family’s restaurant. In 2012, he ventured out on his own and moved to NYC to pursue acting while working in fine dining. Drawn to front-of-house service for its opportunities to connect with guests, he soon found himself leading cocktail programs in some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including the West Village, Flatiron, and Upper West Side.

In 2014, the loss of his grandfather and an introduction to Hernando Tapasco, his now-mentor, deepened Jonathan's connection to coffee. Inspired by his time spent in Colombian coffee labs and disappointed by the lack of specialty coffee in even the finest restaurants, Jonathan saw an opportunity to bring a better coffee experience to the world. In 2015, Paper Plane Coffee Co. was born, blending his love for coffee and his commitment to quality.

By 2017, Jonathan’s journey brought him to Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg, where he personally ran Paper Plane’s stall every Saturday and Sunday. Working solo each weekend, he honed his barista skills, tirelessly practicing latte art and refining his craft. Nestled among some of the best coffee purveyors in Brooklyn and NYC, Jonathan knew he had to offer something truly unique. He drew on his culinary background and mixology expertise to create exclusive, one-of-a-kind coffee beverages available only at Paper Plane. These drinks combined quality roasts with unexpected flavors and techniques, standing out in the crowded market with a creative approach that was both sophisticated and playful.

While continuing his acting career and doing voice-over work, Jonathan dedicated himself to mastering coffee, building an online presence, and developing a loyal customer base. In 2019, he brought Paper Plane’s first brick-and-mortar location to life in Montclair, NJ, where he had settled with his wife. Today, Paper Plane Coffee Co. is known not only for its quality but also for the genuine sense of community Jonathan fosters.

Fun Fact– Jonathan has been the voice of Friskies cat food since 2015.

 

MELISSA ANDERSON - CO-OWNER

 

 

 

HAYDEN KAYE - PARTNER/HEAD ROASTER

Hayden’s journey into coffee began in 2012, sparked by an unfortunate experience with a bad cup of coffee from his local convenience store. Unsatisfied and determined to make something better, Hayden took matters into his own hands. Starting with a simple pour-over setup and sourcing specialty beans from online retailers, he began experimenting with coffee roasting in his parents’ kitchen. What began as a curiosity quickly grew into a passion, and Hayden soon set out on a professional path in specialty coffee.

Since 2015, Hayden has accumulated a wide range of experience in the coffee industry, including roles as a barista, educator, green coffee trader, consultant, and, of course, as a coffee roaster. In 2021, Hayden joined the team at Paper Plane Coffee Co., where he has been instrumental in elevating the quality and variety of specialty coffees offered. With access to state-of-the-art roasting machines, he has further honed his craft, and his dedication to excellence has earned Paper Plane several medals at Gold Bean North America.

As Head Roaster, Hayden takes his role seriously, using his expertise and refined palate to produce delicious coffees for a diverse audience of coffee lovers. True to his roots, his go-to order is a simple, classic black coffee—proof that, for Hayden, quality always speaks for itself.