Wesley Andrews Coffee: Slow Goods to Complement Conversation

For Wesley Andrews’ Coffee, what started as a love for hot drinks during the cold Minneapolis winters has turned into a community around their café in the Whittier neighborhood—and beyond. In 2014 they expanded into roasting with the same aim: to help the places that serve their coffee build community through intentional coffee, and conversation.

We sat down with Wesley Andrews owner, Jared Thompson, to talk about their story and coffee, and highlight why we are excited to partner with them.

(This interview was edited for brevity/clarity.)

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Topics: Vendors



Copan Trade – Family Owned and Operated Coffee Importer and Roaster

We are excited to highlight Copan Trade, a remarkable family-owned business with a rich history spanning nearly 40 years. Founded in the mid-80s, their journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to bring the finest green coffee from Honduras to the world. Over the years, Copan has evolved into a global coffee importer, sourcing premium green beans from around the globe.

It all started in Santa Rosa de Copan, a mountain town in western Honduras, where Sheri and Walter Dunaway began establishing relationships with the local coffee growers. Soon they were planting their own coffee, while continuing to maintain close and personal connections with the independent growers in the Honduran highlands.

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Topics: Vendors



Wildflyer Coffee is on a mission to end youth homelessness in the Twin Cities

Our new local roasting partner, Wildflyer Coffee, is on a mission to end youth homelessness in the Twin Cities. They are a non-profit providing youth, aged 16-24, with a four-month employment training program in their cafes. 

 We recently sat down with Wildflyer founder Carley Kammerer to learn about their mission, and how they go about fulfilling it.

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Topics: Vendors



Energy-boosting, fruit-based drinks from Dr. Smoothie and Smartfruit

Customers want a lot from their beverages these days: delicious and indulgent flavor that is also health conscious. Still others want a caffeine boost without the coffee. Smartfruit and Dr. Smoothie have you covered on all fronts.

Dr. Smoothie Refreshers are bursting with real fruit juice flavor, and also have the added boost of green coffee extract.

Smartfruit Refreshers are made from real fruit juice and coconut water to boost hydration, and infused with energy-boosting green coffee extract.

These iced drink recipes require only Refreshers plus sparkling/still water, coconut milk, or juice for a delicious and refreshing drink. You can even use refreshers as a topper for hot teas.

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Topics: Recipes, Teas & Chai, Blended Drinks, Fruit Smoothies



Smartfruit: Delicious and Versatile in Smoothies, Sodas and even Punch

Have you tried Smartfruit Smoothies yet? They are delicious, shelf-stable—and contain no added sugars, preservatives, GMOs, or artificial flavors or colors.

Plus, market studies show a growing demand for natural and functional beverages:

  • More cafes and restaurants are adding real fruit to their beverages
  • More consumers want beverages with no added sugar
  • Smoothies and flavored lemonade are trending up 

Check out these recipes using Smartfruit as a healthy, craveable base.

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Topics: Recipes, Blended Drinks, Fruit Smoothies



Infuse Your Breakfast Menu With The Warmth of Chai

If you serve breakfast at your cafe or restaurant, we've got some ideas for chai-ing up your French toast, overnight oats and even a side of bacon. 

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Citrus Drinks

Add these refreshing citrus drinks to your menu for sweet-and-sour options that give customers the best of both worlds. And remember: citrus is a broader category than you might think, encompassing fruits like tangerine, mandarin, bergamot and yuzu. Experiment!

 

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Topics: Recipes, Cocktails & Mocktails, Energy Drinks, Iced Tea & Lemonade