The San Franciscan Roaster Company, a Nevada-based manufacturer of commercial coffee roasting equipment, is now under new ownership. The company has been acquired by food manufacturing executive Dave Marson, with Matthew Sewell returning to the firm as its new Chief Executive Officer. The transition follows the unexpected death of the company's longtime owner, Bill Kennedy, in December 2025.
Financial details of the acquisition, which includes all company assets and branding, were not publicly disclosed. New owner Dave Marson is the co-founder of Nature’s Bakery, a nationwide snack company, and more recently founded waffle maker Marson Foods. The new CEO, Matthew Sewell, previously held engineering and operations roles at San Franciscan and was also a founder of Reno-based specialty coffee company Magpie Coffee Roasters.
The new leadership has stated its commitment to stabilizing the company and supporting its existing customer base. Plans include continuing the production of its current roaster lineup, which ranges from 1-pound to 75-pound capacity machines, while investing in operational improvements. The company, which was founded in 1992, also noted it will address inherited operational and financial obligations to ensure its future stability and growth.