Peterborough Dreams of Beans Becomes Co-Op

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Community coffee shop and breakfast restaurant, Dreams of Beans, has expanded its ownership into a co-op model.

Photo courtesy of Dreams of Beans.

Dreams of Beans staff member Logan Benson and baker Melanie Johnson have joined Andrew MacGregor in ownership.

“An expanding ownership team makes room for a larger restaurant offering,” said MacGregor. “It helps smooth the path to bring back Dreams After Dark: a dinner and licensed drink service, including evening community events and live entertainment.”

Since 2023, MacGregor has instituted a living wage and no-tipping policy, moved the café from its former location to a larger spot, and introduced a breakfast menu.

Benson joined Dreams of Beans originally as a placement student three years ago.

“Starting off at Dreams of Beans as a co-op student, I never imagined I would one day become a co-owner,” she said. “It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to continue growing DoB, bringing new ideas to life, and helping make it a place where everyone feels welcome.”

Johnson joined Dreams of Beans in 2025 as a baker.

“Dreams of Beans is a business I believe in--the how and why we do things set us apart,” she said. “I want to make sure our customers continue to have an amazing experience, especially with my baked treats! I've been through a lot to get here, and I am focused, confident, and excited to watch all of us grow together.”

“To our customers, new and familiar, there should be little apparent change to the experience of visiting our restaurant, as we intend to carry on with our great vibe and good food, still paying a living wage, still no tipping,” said MacGregor.

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David Tuan Bui


We Take You Inside Dreams of Beans Roasting House

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Many of you probably start your morning out with a cup of java to give yourself a kickstart to the day. Recently, I popped into the little Dreams of Beans Roasting House located on George Street. I had always been curious to see the roasting process and how the java in my cup came to be.

I was warmly greeted by owner Johanna Sinclair (pictured below left with her giant roaster) at her roasting house. She was a wealth of information and knowledge, and shared her passion and dedication of all things coffee with me. Johanna has done a lot of travelling around the world to continue to flourish her passion and bring back more expertise and new ideas. 

Her main Dreams of Beans café at 138 Hunter Street has been a thriving place, and Johanna was thrilled about opening the tiny roasting house on George St. a couple of years ago. I was happy to hear from her about how many local merchants and restaurants offer roasts from Dreams of Beans, including Maggie's Eatery and Brio Gusto amongst many others. 

If you ever get the chance to pop by her roasting house on top of your visit to her café, it's definitely worth the trip!

 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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