Two Memphis coffee makers have announced expansion plans that will offer java drinkers more options for enjoying a cup of joe.
Ugly Mug Coffee is opening a new coffee shop, while
Relevant Roasters is boosting its online presence.
Ugly Mug, a Memphis-based roaster of organic and fair trade blend coffees, is opening a new store at the high-traffic corner of Poplar Avenue and Perkins Extended. The shop will sell a variety of freshly roasted blends flavored coffees, frappes and espresso drinks.
The retail location will provide a drive-through for customers, as well as a sit-down coffee shop inside. Ugly Mug President David Lambert describes it as "unpretentious quality coffee for everyone."
In addition to coffee by the cup, Ugly Mug will sell a selection of breakfast and lunch foods, as well as whole-bean coffees. In another local twist, the coffee maker has partnered with
La Baguette to create an exclusive cake using its signature Buttermoon flavor.
Founded in 1998, Ugly Mug is a Memphis-based company which imports and small-batch roasts fair trade and organic blend coffees.
A much younger local coffee outfit also has growth plans in the works.
Relevant Roasters--a wholesale specialty coffee roasting company--has launched an online store where consumers can purchase bags of its seven coffee offerings.
Pushing its "every cup matters" mantra, Relevant Roasters has enjoyed quick success since launching in September. Located at 584 Tillman in the Broad Avenue Arts District, the business already makes its roasts available for purchase at
Miss Cordelia's in Harbor Town, Superlo, High Point Grocery, Kimbrough Towers Fine Wine and Cash Saver.
Miss Cordelia's,
Tart and
Bounty on Broad also offer Relevant coffee on tap. Jimmy Lewis founded the business with Memphis on his mind, and has strived to make everything about Relevant Roasters as local as possible.
The Memphis coffee scene is hopping beyond what's happening with Ugly Mug and Relevant Roasters, though. Two other local coffee roasting operations--Reverb Coffee and Dr. Bean's Coffee and Tea Emporium--have new cafes in the works in Midtown and Downtown, respectively.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.