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Athens, Georgia, Georgia · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Zombie Coffee and Donuts

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Zombie Coffee and Donuts; not a documentary photograph
IndependentNamed roasting partner: UndisclosedSourcing: Limited public info
TagsZombie Coffee and DonutsGeorgia coffee roastersIndependent
Visit Zombie Coffee and Donuts's site

Zombie Coffee and Donuts was founded by University of Georgia alumnus Tony Raffa, who initially launched the concept with a location in Washington, D.C., before expanding to Athens, Georgia, in 2016. The company operated as a social enterprise that utilized a customer-voting system to donate a portion of monthly proceeds to local community causes. While the business initially served coffee roasted in Washington, D.C., it focused on providing a customizable, made-to-order donut experience for students and local residents. The brand was documented for its philanthropic mission and its late-night, student-friendly atmosphere in downtown Athens until its closure in September 2023.

Ownership
The brand was an independent social enterprise founded by Tony Raffa; it permanently closed all operations in September 2023.
Founded
2016
Roasting
Named roasting partner: Undisclosed. Other roasting arrangements are unverified.
What it's known for
The brand was known for its made-to-order, customizable funnel cake-style donuts and its social enterprise model, which donated a portion of monthly sales to local community causes chosen by customer votes.
Farm-level sourcing
The brand did not publicly disclose specific farm or producer information for its coffee offerings. It focused primarily on the social impact of its business model rather than the transparency of its coffee supply chain.
Notable coffees
  • — Light roast
  • — D.C.-roasted coffee
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Zombie Coffee and Donuts, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2023-09-22 · The Red & Black
Zombie Coffee and Donuts announces sudden closure, surprising Athenians

After eight years of operation in Athens, Georgia, Zombie Coffee and Donuts announced its permanent closure in September 2023. The shop, which operated as a social enterprise supporting local community causes, did not provide a specific reason for the shutdown.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-21. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. I could not verify the specific roasting partner or the origin details of the coffee served, as the brand focused its public messaging on its social enterprise model and donut customization.

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