Charles Dubuque is no newcomer to the coffee business. Before founding Dubuque Coffee Company 10 years ago, he spent more than 30 years in the coffee trade working for Ronnoco Coffee. When Ronnoco was sold after decades of family ownership, Dubuque sensed it was time to strike out on his own.
Over roughly two and a half years, Dubuque worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for his vision: He researched, developed a business plan, raised capital, and designed a facility. But before he did any of this, he consulted with his wife, Tina. It was obviously a huge financial risk, but Tina was 100 percent on board from the outset and has continued to support Dubuque’s efforts.
He also pulled together a team of the best of the best in the coffee industry. This included roasters, salespeople, and support personnel. Dubuque challenged the team through rigorous blind cuppings, testing and refining blend profiles until they had developed their lineup of coffees.
Dubuque told me that they met at his home every Thursday evening for a year. They would have dinner, then do blind tastings of their head roasters’ blend against the competition. If all four of them did not select their roasters’ blend, they would do it all over again the following week. Even if three out of four selected their blend, it would not pass the test. It had to be unanimous. Dubuque explained that he wanted the team to feel confident that their blend was head and shoulders above the competition.
So, what makes Dubuque Coffee Company different?
For one, its beans are sourced from 11 countries around the world. Much like grapes grown in various vineyards, coffee from different plantations can vary in quality from year to year depending on the amount of rain, sunlight, heat, cold, and more. The company therefore requests very specific beans, and growers send a sample amount to Dubuque. Those beans are then roasted and blended, and the resulting blends undergo the same rigorous tastings as the originals.
When asked what sets his company apart, Dubuque did not hesitate to say the culture and people are what makes Dubuque Coffee Company special. He didn’t lay off any employees during COVID, even though it put a financial strain on the firm. This loyalty has paid off in the long run, as Dubuque’s employees are truly dedicated to the company.
He was also quick to point out that he and his staff are in the “relationship business.” They truly partner with their customers and take pride in their successes. They also intentionally emphasize the personal service aspect of their business.
For example, each member of the management team is part of a rotating on-call team for customer issues. So rather than getting an answering service after hours if you call with an issue, you could easily get Dubuque, VP of Sales Scott Skrivan, or another member of management. That person may or may not be able to solve the issue over the phone, but the customer knows it will be addressed. In a time when more business relationships are formed via phone calls, texts, and Zoom, Dubuque Coffee Company prefers face-to-face contact.
What’s next for the company? Dubuque said he and his team are working on more ready-to-drink options, as well as flavored coffees, teas, and lemonade. They are also expanding their presence in Dierbergs Markets, Schnucks, and Hy-Vee.
Dubuque has worked not just to roast great coffee, but to cultivate a real culture around it. He’s built his business with a hospitality mindset. He believes deeply in the power of local relationships, and as a result, his success is rooted in meaningful partnerships with restaurants, private clubs, hotels, country clubs, hospitals, and retail operations.
Dubuque Coffee Company is truly a local Missouri business. It roasts and packages its coffee in its St. Louis facility and delivers its products to over 800 customers in 30 states. Whether you’re a restaurant owner looking for a reliable wholesale partner or a coffee lover shopping for impeccably roasted beans, Dubuque Coffee Company delivers sophistication and consistency. For Dubuque himself, the mission continues: Define the art of coffee, one carefully roasted batch at a time.
You can find a wide selection of Dubuque Coffee at Schnucks, Dierbergs, Hy-Vee, Walmart online, or at www.dubuquecoffee.com.
Ciao for now,
John
