OUR NAME

The name “The Abbey Coffee Company” reflects the founders’ commitment to excellence and reverence in both their work and their lives. Monks at an abbey often practiced a craft—such as the Benedictines with brewing beer—alongside their ascetic lifestyle. The name pays homage to the art of crafting beverages while also connecting to the spiritual journeys of the founder, Darren Campbell who was a pastor. This theme extends into the ambiance of the café, where dim lighting and high ceilings evoke the tranquil, contemplative atmosphere of a monastery.

OUR HISTORY

In 2012, Darren Campbell, owner of Tree of Life Bookstores (now Slingshot), invited Chris Demarse to expand his roasting company into a brick-and-mortar café after Tree of Life acquired a large building on Western Ave. By 2013, The Abbey Coffee Co. had grown into both a roasting company and a community-focused café in Marion, IN. Demarse had started roasting coffee in his garage that same year while working at Tree of Life (now Slingshot) in their bookstore café, all while serving as a teaching pastor at Exit 59 Church. His coffee journey began years earlier at McConn Coffee Co. at Indiana Wesleyan University, followed by a position at Alliance World Coffees in Muncie, IN. After leaving Muncie Alliance, where he honed his roasting skills, Demarse purchased a 3-kilo Deidrich roaster and a La Marzocco Linea— which are still in use at The Abbey Coffee today.

US NOW

Though we no longer roast our own coffee, we remain committed to the same high standards that guided our founding. We carefully select roasters who share our values—directly sourcing from farmers and prioritizing exceptional taste. Currently, we proudly serve Madcap Coffee's espresso from Grand Rapids, Michigan, a roaster that fosters strong, ongoing relationships with their farmers to ensure fair payment and top-notch quality. And of course, their coffee tastes amazing!

We’re always looking for ways to serve our customers and friends better, whether it’s offering specialty blends for drip, espresso, pourover or crafting seasonal drinks. Our goal is to provide delicious, handcrafted beverages in a welcoming space where you can relax and engage in meaningful conversations.

TREE OF LIFE?

We frequently get asked, "What happened to Tree of Life Bookstores?" While many assume it closed in 2020, we’re happy to share that it’s alive and thriving under a new name: Slingshot LLC. Slingshot is a book resourcing company for course materials, connecting professors directly with publishers, providing direct resources for students, and aiding universities in the search for better quality equipment. Although they no longer hold a bookstore front, they now operate over 50 bookstores in campuses across the United States and Canada. They also provide campus mailroom aid for the contacted universities, Campus EDU, and The Academy in Marion, IN. We are proud of their growth and the connection we have with Slingshot LLc.