Toby’s Estate Coffee Brooklyn was more than just a coffee shop. It was a movement, a mood, and a moment in time that helped shape New York’s specialty coffee scene. Although the brand has now rebranded to Partners Coffee, the soul and values that defined Toby’s Estate continue to live on in every cup brewed in Brooklyn and beyond.
we’ll walk through the journey of Toby’s Estate Coffee in Brooklyn — how it started, its evolution into Partners Coffee, what made it special, and why its legacy still matters today.
The Beginning: From Australia to Brooklyn
The story of Toby’s Estate Coffee began not in the U.S., but in Australia. Founded in Sydney by Toby Smith in the late 1990s, the brand quickly gained attention for its dedication to sourcing ethical, high-quality beans and roasting them with care.
By 2012, Toby’s Estate made its move to the U.S., setting up its flagship location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. At the time, Williamsburg was emerging as a creative hotspot, and Toby’s Estate fit right in. It wasn’t just another coffee shop — it became a community hub for coffee lovers, freelancers, and curious minds who wanted more than just caffeine.
What Made Toby’s Estate Coffee Special?
Beautifully Designed Spaces
From the moment you walked into the Brooklyn flagship, you knew this place was different. The space was filled with natural light, exposed brick, wooden counters, and a massive espresso bar that made you feel like coffee was an art form — and it was.
Coffee with a Story
Toby’s Estate didn’t just serve good coffee; it told the story behind each bean. The brand sourced directly from farms and educated customers about where their coffee came from, who grew it, and how it was processed.
Coffee Classes and Experiences
They offered public cuppings, espresso-making classes, and even tours of their roasting facility. This made it a destination not just for coffee drinkers but for learners and enthusiasts.
Transparent Sourcing
Before terms like “traceability” and “farm-to-cup” were common, Toby’s Estate was already practicing them. Their mission was to create meaningful partnerships with farmers and share those relationships with their customers.
The Rebrand: From Toby’s Estate to Partners Coffee
In 2019, a major transformation took place — Toby’s Estate Coffee Brooklyn officially became Partners Coffee. This wasn’t just a name change. It was a strategic shift driven by the desire to reflect the values of collaboration, sustainability, and local ownership.
The rebrand was handled with care. Rather than losing its loyal customers, the change helped strengthen the brand’s identity and connect more deeply with its mission. The name “Partners” wasn’t just symbolic; it highlighted their relationships with farmers, roasters, baristas, and customers.
Why the Name Change?
- Toby Smith had sold the international rights years earlier
- The U.S. branch, independently owned, wanted a fresh start
- “Partners” better reflected the ethos of cooperation and shared values
What Remains the Same at Partners Coffee?
Despite the name change, everything people loved about Toby’s Estate Coffee in Brooklyn is still very much alive at Partners Coffee.
- The Williamsburg café and roastery remains the heart of operations
- They continue to source ethically grown beans from around the world
- Their coffee is roasted in-house, fresh, and full of character
- Their commitment to coffee education continues through classes and cuppings
Partners Coffee has also expanded beyond Brooklyn, with cafés in Manhattan and even pop-ups and partnerships across the country. Yet, the core experience still feels like the original Toby’s — thoughtful, welcoming, and passionate about coffee.
Signature Coffees and Must-Try Brews
Whether you visited during the Toby’s Estate era or under the Partners Coffee name, the café has always been known for its well-crafted brews. Some popular favorites include:
- Flat White – A nod to its Australian roots, creamy and smooth
- Bedford Blend – A signature house roast that balances fruit and chocolate notes
- Single-Origin Pour Overs – Rotating options from Africa, Central, and South America
- Cold Brew – A bold, refreshing take for warm Brooklyn days
Impact on the Brooklyn Coffee Scene
Toby’s Estate helped shape a new kind of coffee culture in New York.
Before Toby’s, many people still saw coffee as a fast, on-the-go necessity. Toby’s showed Brooklyn — and eventually all of NYC — that coffee could be an experience.
It encouraged:
- Slower, more mindful coffee consumption
- Better design and ambiance in cafes
- A focus on education and transparency
- Direct trade relationships with farmers
Many of today’s popular coffee shops in NYC owe their inspiration (or at least their competitive spirit) to the high standard set by Toby’s Estate.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Partners Coffee has carried forward the sustainability values of Toby’s Estate.
- They build long-term relationships with farmers
- They prioritize environmental responsibility in roasting and packaging
- Their cafés use compostable materials and eco-conscious design
In a time where customers care deeply about where their products come from, Partners Coffee (formerly Toby’s Estate) continues to lead with integrity.
A Café for Everyone
Toby’s Estate Coffee Brooklyn wasn’t exclusive or intimidating. That’s part of what made it so beloved.
Whether you were:
- A coffee nerd doing pour-over comparisons
- A freelancer working on your laptop
- A tourist looking for a cool café
- Or a local grabbing a cappuccino on your way to work
You felt welcome.
Partners Coffee has kept that spirit alive. The cafes are warm, inclusive, and designed for connection, not just consumption.
What the Future Holds for Partners Coffee
With continued expansion, increased focus on e-commerce, and collaborations with like-minded food and beverage brands, Partners Coffee is poised to grow without losing its Brooklyn soul.
They’ve launched beautiful new packaging, a subscription service, and even limited-edition collabs. But the mission stays the same: great coffee, responsibly sourced, served with care.
Final Thoughts: A New Name, Same Passion
Toby’s Estate Coffee Brooklyn may no longer operate under its original name, but its spirit lives on through Partners Coffee.
For anyone who loved Toby’s — or wants to experience what made it so special — a visit to Partners Coffee in Williamsburg is still a must. It’s a place where the coffee tells a story, the baristas care deeply, and every sip feels intentional.
In a city filled with options, Toby’s Estate (now Partners) stands out not just for its coffee, but for its commitment to people, quality, and community.
Do Follow USA Glory On Instagram
Read Next – Goodboybob Coffee Santa Monica: A Hidden Gem for Coffee Lovers
