Wells Coffee Co.

Wells Coffee Company, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was established in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign that garnered support from 178 backers. The company is the result of a long-term passion for coffee shared by founders Brandon and Nicole Wells. Their journey into the professional coffee industry began nearly two decades ago, initially sparked by the gift of a home coffee roaster, which shifted their perspective from viewing coffee as a simple beverage to appreciating it as a complex ritual.

Before transitioning to a commercial operation, the founders dedicated significant time to formal education and industry immersion. Their preparation included attending Boot Coffee Camp in California, participating in annual industry expos, and conducting origin trips to Colombia to better understand the supply chain. Notably, Nicole Wells achieved certification as a Q-Grader, a professional designation that signifies a high level of expertise in sensory evaluation and coffee quality assessment.

The company’s initial commercial infrastructure consisted of a six-pound San Franciscan roaster purchased with their crowdfunding capital. As the business grew, they scaled their production capabilities to include a 25-pound drum roaster at their Fort Lauderdale facility. This growth allowed them to transition from small-batch home roasting to a professional roasting operation that supplies both retail and wholesale markets.

Wells Coffee Company focuses on specialty-grade coffee, offering a range of products that includes handcrafted blends, single-origin offerings, and microlots. Their production philosophy emphasizes patience and technical precision, reflecting the years of study the founders invested before launching the brand. Beyond standard roasted beans, the company has also developed a reputation for distinctive draft beverages, such as nitro cold brew and horchata cold brew.

The brand’s identity is deeply rooted in the concept of coffee as a communal experience. The founders have frequently cited the importance of the ritual surrounding coffee, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, such as coffee ceremonies shared with family. This focus on the social and experiential value of coffee remains a central pillar of their business model, influencing how they present their products to the consumer.

Today, the company continues to operate out of its Fort Lauderdale facility, maintaining a consistent roasting schedule to ensure freshness. By combining their technical background with a commitment to specialty-grade sourcing, Wells Coffee Company represents a roaster that prioritizes both the quality of the final cup and the educational journey of the consumer. Their story serves as an example of a transition from hobbyist home roasting to a dedicated, professional specialty coffee enterprise.