Alternate Route Coffee Co. is a women run and roasted specialty coffee roaster in Alberta, built on precision, intention, and an unwavering respect for craft.
Alternate Route Coffee Co. has always been about choosing the path less traveled. What started as a shared dream between husband and wife duo, Ian and Kellie Wahl, grew into something far bigger than either of them would have thought. From a pizza trailer to a first-of-its-kind mobile coffee roastery, the early days of Alternate Route were fueled by curiosity, grit, and a deep desire to build a life rooted in passion rather than convention.
That roastery on wheels wasn’t just a creative solution. It became a symbol of how we approach everything we do: Think differently. Move intentionally. Build something meaningful.
Where we are Now
As the company evolved, so did the people leading it. In 2025 Ian decided he wanted to pursue other passions, while Kellie stepped fully into running the business alongside Head Roaster, and now part owner, Corie Sackville. Together, they now lead Alternate Route Coffee Co. full time.
Today, we are proudly women run, women roasted and majority women owned.
From leadership to roasting to day-to-day operations, our team is currently made up entirely of women who bring skill, heart, and a relentless commitment to quality into every part of the process. This wasn’t a branding decision, nor is it a workplace requirement, but it happened organically, driven by trust, shared values, and a belief that great coffee comes from great people.
Women in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
Our leadership may have evolved, but our standards have not. The specialty coffee world has long been shaped by male voices, particularly in producing, sourcing, and roasting. Being women-led in this industry means we often take up space that hasn’t always been made for us.
For us, being women run doesn’t mean doing things despite the industry. It means setting our own standard within the industry.
It shows up in how we build relationships with producers, how we approach roasting with both precision and intuition, and how we create spaces where collaboration matters more than ego. It shows up in mentorship, in supporting other women in coffee, and in proving that expertise doesn’t have a single look or sound.
Our Approach to Coffee
While the faces behind the roaster may look different today, our approach to coffee has remained exactly the same. At Alternate Route Coffee Co., we believe that roasting coffee transcends mere science. It’s a craft that demands patience, dedication, and deep respect.
We still meticulously select our coffees from growers who share our obsessive attention to detail and commitment to quality. These relationships are built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Every coffee we roast represents real people at every step of the supply chain.
Small-batch roasting allows us to give each coffee the attention it deserves. We taste constantly, adjust thoughtfully, and never rush the process. The result is coffee that’s expressive, balanced, and true to its origin.
More Than Just Coffee
Alternate Route Coffee Co. exists to create more than a great cup. We exist to build community. To invite people into the process through tastings and cuppings. To be a gathering place for those who value craft, adventure, and authenticity. To fuel early mornings, long drives, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments alike.
Being women run and roasted is part of who we are, but it’s not the whole story. It’s one chapter in an ongoing journey of growth, learning, and choosing the alternate route again and again.
The Road Ahead
We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and even more excited about where we’re going. As a women-owned and operated roastery, we’re committed to continuing to carve out space in this industry, to lead with integrity, and to roast coffee that reflects the care and intention behind it.
Welcome to Alternate Route Coffee Co. Where every sip is a journey less traveled and we’re so glad you’re on it with us.
Xo. Kellie & Corie
Photos by: Market House Ltd.