Commando Coffee Co.

Commando Coffee Co. is a retail coffee establishment located at 254 Park Avenue in Amherst, Ohio. The business was founded in 2024 by Stephen Long, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and Genevieve Long, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran. The company occupies a space previously known as Sandstone Coffee, which underwent renovations and a rebranding under the new ownership to align with the founders' vision of a community-focused coffee shop.

The company's identity is deeply rooted in the founders' military backgrounds. Stephen Long, who experienced the limitations of low-quality instant coffee during his military deployments, established the brand with the intent to provide high-quality coffee as a daily luxury. The shop's branding, including its name and product line, incorporates military-themed nomenclature, such as their house coffee roasts named The General, The Sergeant, and The Private.

Commando Coffee Co. does not operate its own roasting facility. Instead, the company partners with Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, a roaster based in Ohio, to supply the coffee served in the cafe. This partnership allows the shop to focus on retail operations, including the preparation of espresso classics, seasonal lattes, and other handcrafted beverages, while relying on an established roaster for their green coffee sourcing and production.

In addition to its coffee program, the shop functions as a local community hub. The physical space features updated furniture and decor, situated near the Veterans Mural on Park Avenue in downtown Amherst. The business model extends beyond coffee to include a food menu featuring fresh-baked pastries from a local bakery and sandwiches prepared with locally sourced sourdough bread.

The operational structure of the business is managed by the founders, with Stephen Long overseeing day-to-day operations and Genevieve Long managing other aspects of the business. The shop maintains regular operating hours throughout the week, with the exception of Mondays, and provides a space for both dine-in and to-go service.

While the company emphasizes a mission of supporting fair practices and community strength, its role in the coffee industry is primarily that of a retail cafe operator rather than a green coffee importer or roaster. By leveraging the roasting expertise of Crimson Cup, Commando Coffee Co. positions itself as a neighborhood destination that combines a military-inspired brand identity with a standard specialty-adjacent cafe service model.