Meet Ian Peters, the Mind Behind Seattle’s Empire Roasters & Records

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TLDR

In a neighborhood filled with caffeine fixes on every corner, Empire Roasters & Records has carved out a unique identity under the leadership of founder and owner Ian Peters. Located in Seattle's Columbia City, the café-turned-cultural-hub pairs carefully roasted coffee with shelves of new vinyl, creating a one-of-a-kind destination for locals and visitors alike. Peters opened Empire in 2009, and over the years, the shop has expanded from a cozy café to a three-story space complete with a rooftop deck and a record shop that has become a neighborhood favorite.

A Personal Blend of Coffee and Vinyl

Ian Peters’ journey with Empire reflects more than entrepreneurial hustle—it’s also deeply personal. Music has always been part of his life. Raised by a music professor and nephew to a passionate record collector, Peters grew up immersed in sound. He spent his early years playing in bands, and although parenting and running a business now fill much of his time, music remains close to his heart. That love took physical form during the pandemic when he turned the café’s upper floor into Columbia City’s only record store.

That move—adding vinyl titles, curated books, and cozy nooks was a creative pivot; it also helped keep the business afloat during uncertain times. Empire’s transformation has since become one of the neighborhood’s defining spots. With a curated selection ranging from Taylor Swift to obscure jazz classics and the signature house-made cashew milk lattes flowing downstairs, the shop offers a unique pairing of taste and tone.