How Mike McElwain, owner of Red Cat and Birmingham Breadworks, contributed to the success of Magic City Brewing

When Mike McElwain arrived in Birmingham in 2002, the specialty coffee scene was just beginning to take shape. Fast forward to the present day, and Mike is now the owner of Red Cat Coffee and Birmingham Breadworks, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s café culture through his daily roasted beans and eco-friendly practices.

Growing up in a small town in Alabama, Mike was instilled with a deep respect for nature, thanks to his father’s background as a forester. This upbringing shaped his decision to study Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University, where he met his wife. After graduation, job prospects in his field were limited, leading him to stumble upon the world of coffee during an extended stay in Mississippi.

Under the mentorship of a coffee enthusiast, Mike’s passion for coffee was ignited. He immersed himself in the craft, attending events and honing his skills. In the late 1990s, the former owners of O’Henry’s Coffees recruited him to Birmingham, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s taste for specialty coffee. Managing wholesale accounts, roasting coffee, training baristas, and consulting on café design, Mike became an essential figure at O’Henry’s.

In 2019, Mike and his wife took ownership of Red Cat Coffeehouses, ushering in a new chapter in their coffee journey. For Mike, coffee represents more than just a beverage – it serves as a link to memory, culture, community, and environmental stewardship. With roots in his grandmother’s shop in New Orleans, coffee evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to diverse cultures.

Beyond providing a delicious cup of coffee, Mike is committed to sustainable practices at Red Cat and Birmingham Breadworks. As Gold Level members of the Alabama Environmental Council’s EAT program, they have implemented measures to reduce single-use plastics, promote reusable mugs, and minimize straw consumption in their cafés. Embracing a mindset shift towards environmental responsibility, Mike believes that small changes can make a big impact on reducing waste.

Through his dedication to quality coffee, community engagement, and eco-friendly initiatives, Mike McElwain has become a driving force in shaping Birmingham’s coffee culture. His commitment to sustainability and passion for crafting the perfect cup of coffee have left a lasting impression on the city’s café scene, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future.