Sightglass Coffee: From Morrison Brothers’ Vision to Sharon Healy’s Leadership

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TLDR

Amid San Francisco’s rich coffee culture, Sightglass Coffee has become a name synonymous with quality, transparency, and artistry. What began as a small coffee cart in 2009 quickly grew into a brand that redefined how coffee is experienced—simple, honest, and deeply connected to its origins. Founded by brothers Jerad and Justin Morrison, Sightglass was born from a love of craft and a desire to elevate coffee from a daily habit to a sensory experience.

Over the years, the Morrison brothers’ meticulous approach and passion built a loyal following, establishing Sightglass as a cornerstone of the city’s coffee scene. Now, as the brand has entered its next chapter under the leadership of Sharon Healy, a former Starbucks executive, the legacy of Sightglass continues to evolve. Combining its artisanal roots with a forward-thinking vision, Sightglass is not just keeping pace—it’s shaping the future of coffee culture.

Jerad and Justin Morrison - Founders of Sightglass Coffee (Image Sourced From Sightglass Coffee)

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The Morrison Brothers: From Coffee Cart to Iconic Roastery

When Jerad and Justin Morrison founded Sightglass Coffee, they set out to do more than simply roast beans—they wanted to tell the story of coffee from bean to cup. Starting with a modest cart in SoMa, they quickly attracted attention for their dedication to transparency and traceability in sourcing. By forging direct relationships with farmers worldwide, the brothers ensured not only exceptional quality but also fair compensation for the producers.

In 2010, they opened their flagship roastery and café on 7th Street, a space that became a beacon for coffee enthusiasts. Sightglass soon expanded into San Francisco’s Mission and Divisadero neighborhoods and eventually into Los Angeles, now having four locations each maintaining the brand’s signature minimalist design and focus on the craft of coffee.

The Morrison brothers’ commitment to their mission helped shape Sightglass into a trusted name in specialty coffee. Their dedication to quality and relationships built the foundation for a company that values both its products and its people. By 2024, after nearly 15 years at the helm, they stepped away to pursue new endeavors, leaving Sightglass poised for its next chapter.

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Sharon Healy: Leading Sightglass Into the Future

In 2024, Sharon Healy took over as CEO of Sightglass Coffee, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. With more than 30 years in the food and beverage industry, Healy has a proven track record of scaling brands while maintaining their core values. Her time at Starbucks, where she managed key accounts with major licensees like Kroger and Safeway, gave her firsthand experience in balancing operational growth with brand integrity.

At Sightglass, Healy’s leadership is marked by a thoughtful approach to innovation and expansion. Her first major initiative was enhancing the company’s subscription service, allowing customers to receive freshly roasted coffee delivered directly to their homes. This aligns with shifting consumer preferences toward convenience without compromising the premium quality Sightglass is known for.

Healy’s vision also includes deepening the brand’s connection with its customers while expanding its footprint. Recognizing the importance of sustainability and transparency, she has doubled down on the company’s commitment to working directly with farmers, ensuring that Sightglass continues to be a leader in ethical sourcing.

What sets Healy apart is her ability to merge the artisanal roots of Sightglass with strategic growth opportunities. By leveraging her expertise in retail and wholesale development from her role at Urban Remedy, she’s focused on positioning Sightglass as a premium brand that resonates with both loyal customers and new audiences.

Under her guidance, the company is embracing new ways to enhance the coffee experience, whether through curated in-store offerings or by expanding its reach to new markets. Healy’s leadership reflects a delicate balance: preserving the heart of Sightglass while steering it into a dynamic future.

Sharon Healy - CEO of Sightglass Coffee (Image Sourced From Sharon's LinkedIn)

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A Legacy Built on Passion and Innovation

From its beginnings as a modest coffee cart to its current role as a leader in the specialty coffee industry, Sightglass Coffee has always been about more than just coffee. The Morrison brothers laid the groundwork for a company rooted in quality, transparency, and community. Their focus on the craft of coffee and the people behind it created a brand that resonates with customers around the globe.

Today, Sharon Healy is building on that foundation, bringing her expertise and strategic vision to elevate Sightglass even further. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values, ensuring that every cup of coffee tells a story—one of care, craftsmanship, and connection.

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