Central Florida roasters Barnie’s Coffee still going strong after 43 years

Barnie’s Coffee has seen quite a journey over its 43 years of business, starting from a simple idea by co-founder Phil Barnie Jones. Back then, no one focused on flavored coffee, and Barnie’s decided to fill that gap. Their innovative take on adding flavors directly into the coffee—eliminating the need for sugary add-ons—set them apart from the crowd. Imagine enjoying a cup bursting with flavor without reaching for the cream or sugar!

At one point, Barnie’s Coffee expanded nationwide, popping up in malls nationwide before Starbucks became a thing. But like many businesses, they faced tough choices. Investors decided to pivot, leading to the closure of most mall locations. Instead of disappearing, Barnie reinvented itself through online sales, partnerships with supermarkets like Publix and Winn Dixie, and collaboration with local Central Florida businesses.

Now, Barnie’s is brewing more than just coffee. They’ve partnered with local companies to craft unique products like coffee-infused ice cream, beer, brownies, and cookies. They’ve even created special coffee blends with universities like UCF, where each purchase helps support food insecurity programs. Talk about coffee with a cause!

Despite all these collaborations and nationwide availability, Barnie’s remains a small, hands-on operation. With just 13 employees, they’re roasting each batch of coffee with the same passion they started with decades ago. Barnie’s story shows how a company can adapt, evolve, and continue to innovate, all while staying true to its roots………[read more]

Rising Dough

How do local business collaborations, like Barnie’s partnerships with universities and breweries, influence a brand’s overall success and perception, and what role do these partnerships play in the broader economic landscape?