Backstage Roasters

Backstage Roasters is a Lithuanian specialty coffee roastery based in Vilnius that originated from an unexpected source—the world of photography. Vytenis Petrošius leads the project and continues to run the roastery as its director—and it is precisely this photographic attention to detail and visual thinking that are reflected in every aspect of the brand. The result is a place where the café and roastery blend naturally, and where every cup retains a distinct character and origin.

Backstage was founded in 2017, and its first café opened in 2018 in the industrial district of Vilnius known as Naujamiestis—deliberately off the beaten path, tucked away in a loft district full of creative spaces. This location was intentional: the founders wanted to filter their customers and attract those who were truly seeking them out. Today, they operate three locations in Vilnius, and the roastery has become a full-fledged part of the operation, led by their head roaster, Robertas Muravskij. Although it is a micro-roastery, they source their coffee directly from growers—including the Vinhal family farm in Brazil and Beanspire Coffee in Thailand. The goal is not just quality in the cup, but a long-term and fair trade relationship with the producer, regardless of seasonal fluctuations.

Backstage Roasters’ philosophy is down-to-earth and unpretentious: they take coffee seriously, but don’t pressure customers. Although specialty coffee is at the heart of their offering, in reality about half of their sales are classic Brazilian coffee—and that’s fine with Vytenia. Instead of dogmatism, Backstage offers guidance: tastings, workshops, and space for curiosity. Alongside the coffee, they bake their famous cinnamon rolls, avocado toast, and a breakfast menu inspired by the Lithuanian seasons. Backstage is simply not just a roastery—it’s a place where it’s nice to spend time.