Meet Marisa Zapata | Head Roaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisa Zapata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My success is primarily fueled by an enduring curiosity. I’ve always possessed an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding, a drive that has manifested in many areas of my life. However, nothing has captivated me quite like coffee.

Coffee presents a fascinating array of nuances and ever-changing variables, from its country of origin, varietal, and elevation to soil nutrients and processing methods. Each of these elements significantly impacts the final taste, and my role is to synthesize this information to create a roast that best highlights the unique characteristics of each coffee.
This challenge, coupled with my innate curiosity, has cultivated a determined and resilient spirit within me.

While the pressure to consistently produce a product that resonates positively with consumers can be overwhelming, I remind myself that true success isn’t defined by external validation rather it lies in my continuous pursuit of knowledge and my ability to adapt my understanding as needed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the Head Roaster for both Novel Coffee Roasters and Cherry Coffee Company, I am responsible for contracting and roasting green coffee for these two distinct brands, which operate under a single roof. I assumed this role in 2023, following the acquisition of Novel Coffee Roasters by Katherine Morris, CEO and owner of Cherry Coffee Shop in Fort Worth, Texas. I have nine years of experience in the coffee industry and anticipate many more years to come.

What truly distinguishes me is my commitment to humility, even as success grows. I don’t boast or self-glorify; instead, I attribute all praise to God. I believe everything I’ve received in life comes from Him, who loves me. Despite my unworthiness, He has extended grace and mercy through His son, Jesus Christ, for my redemption. Jesus has given me inexplicable joy, hope, and peace, along with a purpose: to share the Gospel so that all may believe and have life in His name.

I’ve been fortunate to taste, contract, and roast exceptional coffees from dedicated individuals who are continually innovative and responsible in their craft. It’s a privilege to share their coffee and stories with consumers, knowing that each purchase uplifts people, places, and moments. However, what excites me most in my career right now is fostering a community of female roasters in my area and inspiring other women roasters to do the same, wherever they may be.

I never intended to make coffee my career when I started working in the industry. However, my fascination grew as I delved deeper into the complexities of coffee and brewing. This enthusiasm was evident in how I interacted with customers, inspiring them to explore new flavors outside their comfort zones.

Despite my passion, advancing in the coffee industry proved challenging. I faced numerous rejections and was often overlooked for promotions in favor of male colleagues. This left me disheartened and frustrated, questioning whether to remain in an industry that seemed to undervalue my potential and, at times, exploit my dedicated work ethic.

Upon graduating from college, I decided to leave the coffee world behind and moved across the country to North Carolina. When a job opportunity fell through, I unexpectedly found myself back in a cafe setting, but this time, it felt different. I worked for mentors who nurtured my curiosity and granted me the freedom to excel. They rekindled the spark I had lost by introducing me to innovative coffee processing methods and empowering me to champion the change I wished to see.

Eventually, I returned to Fort Worth and began working at Cherry Coffee Shop. Early on, I expressed my desire to roast to Katherine. While some might attribute this opportunity to being in the “right place at the right time” or sheer luck, I believe it was divine timing. Every experience I had was necessary for my growth, enabling me to earn my place at the table and advocate for others still striving to do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Naturally, coffee will be the first order of business each morning of their visit. While I usually brew coffee at home, DFW boasts an abundance of exceptional coffee shops, and it would be a missed opportunity not to introduce them to as many as possible.

Day 1 in Fort Worth kicks off at Crude Coffee Bar on South Main, a multi-roaster shop with an in-house bakery. I highly recommend their secondary drip option, often featuring a coffee from Dak Coffee Roasters – it’s a dollar more and well worth it. While you’re there, don’t miss the bacon cheddar scone!

After coffee, we’ll explore local shops in the area, such as Morgan Mercantile. You can refresh yourself with a complimentary Topo Chico and perhaps pick up a Panther City Provision shirt (or two) or your new favorite scent.

Lunch will be at Panther City BBQ. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but my personal favorite sides are the dill potato salad or the brisket elote.

Post-lunch, we’ll head to Recluse Bookstore. If we’re lucky, October Brews might be doing a pop-up, offering a salted caramel cold brew to enjoy while browsing.

For dinner, we have a few options: either a food truck in the area, like Pinto Thai, or Coco Shrimp off South Main. Alternatively, we could venture to The Holly, a natural wine bar, and share a pizza from the Nappotex food truck while sipping on a glass or two.

Day 2: We’d kick off the day much like the first, with excellent coffee and quick bites. Race Street Coffee is the perfect spot for jammy eggs and avocado toast, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from my place—a tempting option when I don’t feel like making coffee at home. Their cortados, served on a wooden tray with Topo Chico and a tiny chocolate from 5 Mile Chocolate, are a real treat.

Next, we’d head to Tesoro Mexican Cafe for chilaquiles divorciados and a Mexican Coke over ice. From there, it’s a short walk across the street to Born Late Records to browse the vinyls and vintage tees. We’d also make our way to Vintage Treasures, an antique store that shares a space with Green Thistle Emporium.

If we’re in the mood for something sweet, a quick drive to Guanajuato Bakery on E Belknap to pick up some pan dulces to share. For dinner, we have two great options to end the night: Kingyo Sushi & Ramen House, a quiet and intimate spot, or the new Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles, which features a live DJ every day and a full-service bar.

Day 3 begins with, you guessed it, coffee! We’ll head to Magnolia Avenue for a drink at Cherry Coffee Shop. They offer a fantastic selection of house-made syrups, with the cherry syrup being a fan favorite. Their seasonal menu is always a hit, but my personal go-to is an iced Americano with their rotating single-origin coffee – currently, a washed Ethiopian coffee called Kercha Guji.

If our Day 3 falls on a weekend, a visit to Cafecito, my favorite breakfast spot on Magnolia Avenue, is a must. They serve Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup, paired with their signature pink, corn tortillas, but only on weekends. As an alternative, we could grab breakfast at Paris Coffee Shop or see if Birdy’s Bagels is popping up at Cafe Momento for a Lox Sando on a Seabird bagel.

From there, we’re off to Ephemera Terrariums for a pre-booked “make your own terrarium” class. We’ll then feast on the best smash burgers from Gustos burgers before winding down the night with a nightcap at The Usual.

Fort Worth boasts a vibrant scene for bars, breweries, and coffee shops. Here’s a list of some local favorites:

Bars: The Down n’ Out Bar, Proper, Nickel City, Thompson’s Bookstore Speakeasy (with a cigar lounge tucked away on the top floor), Winchester Tavern, and Distribution Bar.

Breweries: HopFusion, Cidercade, Wild Acre, Maggie’s RnR, Maple Branch, Southside Cellar, and Bearded Lady.

Coffee Shops: Fort Worth Coffee Co., Roots Coffee House, Black Coffee, Sons Coffee, Portico Coffee, Cafe Momento, Pax and Beneficia Coffee, and many more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a great deal of gratitude to many individuals who have profoundly influenced my journey and growth as a coffee professional.

Angelo Europe, who was like a big brother to me, first introduced me to the world of specialty coffee. His presence during my formative years also deepened my understanding of God and my own identity.

Kevin Betts, the former owner and roaster of Novel Coffee Roasters, was instrumental in my early career. I met him when Novel was just starting, and I was new to coffee. He patiently answered all my basic questions, and his generosity in sharing his knowledge has been crucial to where I am today. In 2023, Kevin passed the torch to me as Head Roaster for Novel, an honor I deeply cherish as I carry on his legacy.

I must also acknowledge Kat Melheim, who encouraged me to advocate for myself. She remains an inspiration to me and many other women in the coffee industry. I’m fortunate to be part of a supportive community of female roasters in my area. We have a group chat where we uplift each other, offer assistance, and provide feedback, all in the spirit of “collaboration over competition”—a mantra borrowed from my boss, Katherine Morris.

Katherine Morris deserves the biggest shoutout. She not only created a platform for me to roast coffee but also exemplifies and advocates for kindness, respect, curiosity, hustle, and inclusivity. I am forever grateful for her.

Website: https://www.novelcoffeeroasters.com and https://cherry-coffee.com

Instagram: @zzzzapata

Other: Used code MARISA at checkout to receive free shipping