Company Name: 787 Coffee
Location: New York, New York
Year Founded: 2019
Website: www.787coffee.com
New York-based 787 Coffee has been named the 2024 CO—100 Top Honoree in the Growth Accelerator category.
With a unique "farm to cup" approach, 787 Coffee has grown from a single location in 2019 to 25 coffee shops spanning Puerto Rico, New York, and Texas, supporting local coffee communities while delivering a menu of high-quality beverages. Headed by Founder and CEO Brandon Peña, the company is sustainability-focused and coffee-driven, with a team of enthusiasts eager to “connect coffee lovers directly to the source.”
A ‘farm to cup’ journey rooted in Puerto Rico
At the heart of 787 Coffee’s success is its dedication to providing an authentic "farm to cup" experience, using sustainable sourcing practices via direct trade relationships and eco-friendly practices in-store.
“What sets 787 Coffee apart is our commitment to growing our coffee on our very own farm nestled in the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico,” said Peña. “We take pride in cultivating, harvesting, and roasting our coffee locally.”
This hands-on approach allows 787 to control the entire process, ensuring that the coffee is fresh, high-quality, and deeply rooted in Puerto Rican agriculture for a taste — and coffee-drinking experience — like no other. The company takes pride in its local impact, ensuring there’s always a focus on sustainability and supporting the local economy.
“By focusing on domestic coffee production, we contribute to the prosperity of Puerto Rican agriculture and champion eco-friendly methods that protect our environment,” Peña added.
This dedication to sustainable practices has resonated with customers, creating a loyal following and a strong brand reputation. The result: a 40% growth in sales of eco-friendly products and a notable increase in positive online feedback.
What sets 787 Coffee apart is our commitment to growing our coffee on our very own farm nestled in the lush landscapes of Puerto Rico. We take pride in cultivating, harvesting, and roasting our coffee locally.
Brandon Peña, Founder and CEO, 787 Coffee
Using technology and innovation to drive growth
One of the company’s standout growth initiatives has been its innovative use of technology — such as the smart ordering system — to streamline its operations and improve the customer experience.
“Recently, we launched a smart ordering system that integrates seamlessly with our point-of-sale (POS) and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms,” Peña explained.
This system has helped reduce customer wait times by 25% and increase repeat customer visits by 15%. Plus, the data it collects has been invaluable, allowing 787 Coffee to refine its menu offerings and marketing strategies to better suit its target customer base.
Beyond the uptick in metrics — including a 10% increase in overall sales —, this use of technology has further accelerated the company’s growth trajectory and solidified the shop’s reputation as a socially responsible business.
Building community one cup at a time
Delivering a great coffee experience is only part of 787 Coffee’s mission. The company is also deeply committed to building community and creating spaces that do more to support local residents.
“Our coffee shops are more than just places to grab a quick caffeine fix; [they are] a hub for creatives and students,” Peña said. “We allow our caffeinated customers to stay and create without limitations, no time limits.”
The company actively hosts local events and partners with artisans, musicians, and farmers to engage with the community, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages creativity and connection. They also organize and participate in charity and fundraiser events to support causes like education, health, and environmental sustainability. The results of these community-focused initiatives have been impressive, leading to growth and expanded opportunities for all involved.
“Our events regularly draw hundreds of attendees, and we’ve seen a significant uptick in social media engagement and word-of-mouth referrals,” Peña shared.
This growth expands beyond the online sphere. According to Peña, this commitment to community engagement has led to a 20% increase in foot traffic, further contributing to the company’s growth.
787’s winning formula recipe — blending innovation, sustainability, and community connection — has propelled the company to make great strides, driving its expansion while staying true to its roots.
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Spotlight On
787 Coffee
787 Coffee is a Puerto Rican coffee company that grows, processes, and roasts its beans sustainably on its farm, Hacienda Iluminada, in the mountains of Maricao. The company focuses on creating connections through coffee, supporting local communities, and maintaining eco-friendly practices to protect the planet.