October is finally here, which means that cozy season is in full-swing! Fall is our favorite month here at Bandit Coffee, and for good reason. I don’t know about you, but as soon as I see those leaves start to turn beautiful colors and float to the ground, I immediately switch into cozy mode, and all I want to do is throw on an oversized sweater, grab a steaming cup of coffee, and cuddle up on the couch with a movie.
In the spirit of Fall, we’ve come up with five essential kitchen items to make sure your home coffee bar is ready for all those hot drinks you’ll be craving. Plus, read to the end for an easy, at-home recipe for one of Bandit Coffee’s specialty drinks that you can make with items already in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Five At-Home Coffee Bar Must-Haves for YOUR Kitchen:
Your Favorite Milk
There’s a milk for everything now. In addition to regular dairy milk, we’ve got almond, oat, soy, coconut, cashew, rice, hemp, and even more milks than THAT to choose from. In the 21st Century, we’ve mastered milk. Thankfully, any one of those milks can be paired with coffee (or tea!) to make a delicious, creamy drink. Whether you’re loyal to dairy milk or more adventurous with non-dairy options, your favorite milk is essential to your at-home coffee bar. Take your pick!
Your Favorite Bandit Coffee Blend
You want it, we’ve got it! What’s more important to a coffee bar than the coffee itself? Whatever blend you’re feeling, we’ve got you covered with our selection. Become an Outlaw or a Gambler with our medium roast, or try our Black Jax dark roast for your morning brew. We’re pretty confident that you’ll love whichever one you choose.
Your Favorite Flavorings
Syrups, sprinkles, and sauces, oh my! They’re what makes a caramel macchiato a caramel macchiato, a vanilla latte a vanilla latte, a Fall-spiced breve a Fall-spiced breve. Just like mood lighting brings the atmosphere to a room, flavorings bring the mood to a drink. Flavorings can even bring back memories and change your outlook on the day. They’re pretty powerful, which is why we think they’re essential to your at-home coffee bar. Grab your favorite syrup or sauce and make a drink that touches your soul!
Mini Espresso Machine
An all-in-one latte machine? Yes, please! If you’ve been thinking about getting a mini espresso machine to put in your kitchen, take this as your sign to do it. There’s nothing like waking up on a chilly morning and walking into your kitchen to a countertop espresso machine. Lattes just got easier, and life just got brighter. We found this one on Amazon!
Espresso Shot Cups
Last but definitely not least, espresso shot cups bring the finishing touch to any at-home coffee bar. Pair a set of these with your mini espresso machine, and you’ve got a coffee shop in your kitchen, ready for those lattes, Americanos, and other special drinks you’ll want to make.
Now that you have the essentials, we’re bringing our signature Snickerdoodle Latte to the comfort of your home. All you’ll need is your favorite Bandit Coffee and a few common kitchen items! Here’s how to make it: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What you’ll need:
Directions:
And just like that, you have yourself a DIY Bandit Snickerdoodle Latte! Easy as pie, right?⠀⠀⠀
With these five essential coffee bar items and a recipe to match, you’ll be more than prepared for those crisp, chilly Fall mornings that are right around the corner.
Check out our website for new blogs and fresh ideas, and discover our select coffee blends and other hot Bandit items. We can’t wait to see you there!
]]>Sound familiar? If you’ve ever heard this song, you probably know that it’s about a seasoned gambler and his advice on how to play the game. It alludes back to the Old West, to a time of boldness, risk-taking, raw bravery. The Gambler is one who is confident, disciplined, driven; someone who masks fierce determination with a calm, cool, collected smile.
That’s who we are here at Bandit Coffee Co., and that same attitude is what inspired us to create our rich, bold, Thai-sourced Medium Roast coffee--AKA, The Gambler. Inspired by the cunning, risk-taking bravery of Old Western outlaws and gamblers like Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp, this bold blend was created to bring out the fierce, confident determination to fuel your inner Gambler.
Though different in occupation, cowboys, outlaws, and bandits of the Old West all shared a fierce go-getting, driven, confident attitude that defined who they were. Often gambling for horses, money, and other valuable goods as a means of survival, these men and women knew the importance of a fierce and bold spirit.
At the end of the night, after the last coin was collected and the last whiskey drink downed, what defined those famous names of the Old West was a spirit of boldness, bravery, and the ability to take big risks. They had hearts of gold and minds of steel, and their legacies will live on as long as history lives.
This week, discover what inspires your inner Gambler. Fierce confidence and boldness are at your fingertips, and we know you’ve got what it takes to unleash them.
Want to try The Gambler for yourself? Head on over to our online store and order a bag or two! We can’t wait to meet you there.
]]>Let me explain.
It’s that feeling you get from giving a friend a compliment, from giving a treat to a puppy, from making a baby laugh. You don’t do it because you have to—or even out of obligation—you do it because doing so brings you just as much joy as it brings the other person (or puppy, or baby). Doing things for others is one of the best ways to bring joy into your own life. And here at Bandit Coffee, we like to find every opportunity to do just that.
Not too long ago, Bandit Coffee got to help Manhattan Oral Surgery out with a pretty cool project: gift boxes. Bandit was able to work alongside Manhattan Oral Surgery to create unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for their associates, and here’s the best part: we got to help the company that is always helping others.
Here’s how it worked: Manhattan Oral Surgery wanted to create fun, unique gift boxes for their associates, so they reached out to their local Bandit Coffee Company (that’s us!) for help. After a short consultation, we were able to take on their gift box project from creation to delivery, allowing Manhattan Oral Surgery to continue helping others with one less thing to worry about. We loved working with Manhattan Oral Surgery and being a part of something bigger.
Got an upcoming event or special occasion? Let Bandit Coffee Co. help! We’ve got what you need to bring an elegant, classy touch to holidays, parties, special events, and any other gift giving occasion. If Bandit Coffee Co. can help you, shoot us an email at howdy@banditcoffeeco.com! We would love to help make your life a little easier.
]]>See those excited, smiling faces? That was ALL because they asked us to create pre-packaged Bandit Coffee wedding favors and didn’t have to worry about the hassle of creating their own.
Ok, maybe they were excited about something else at that moment (like just having married each other in front of all their friends and family). I may have exaggerated a tiny bit there. But asking Bandit Coffee Co. to make custom-packaged wedding favors DID put a smile on their faces, and even more importantly, it reduced some of the stress and worry on their Big Day. Those pre-packaged, ready-made Bandit Coffee wedding favors played a small part in bringing as much joy to their wedding day as possible, and we couldn’t be happier to have been a part of it.
The Pallett Wedding Project was so much fun, but we’re not stopping there! Just like The Farmer’s Daughter (our newest Bandit Coffee location in Arizona), Bandit Coffee Co. is launching another NEW service that will allow you to order individually packaged Bandit Coffee products for any event imaginable. Consider this blog your personal invitation to order beautifully designed Bandit Coffee packages for your next big event!
We do more than weddings, too! Any gift-giving occasion you can think of is an opportunity to show those you care about how much they’re valued by giving them a one-of-a-kind, hand-made Bandit Coffee gift. From baby showers to employee appreciation gifts and everything in between, show those around you how much you care by treating them to a Bandit gift.
We can’t wait to start creating for you!
Not sure if our service is right for your next event? We’ve got you covered there, too! Send us an email at howdy@banditcoffeco.com to set up a totally free consultation call. Whether or not you decide to co-package with us, we want to help meet your needs the best way possible.
]]>As you can probably tell, we’re SO STINKING EXCITED to announce that this week, we are launching a brand-new Bandit Coffee Co. location in Arizona!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, we know. That sentence used a lot of exclamation points. But we’re convinced that if you keep reading, you’ll want to shout about it, too.
But wait, what does some farmer’s kid have to do with a new location? Well, we’re glad you asked! Based in Arizona, our newest addition is called The Farmer’s Daughter and focuses on a revolutionary idea: an entirely to-go, delivery experience that gives customers the convenience of delicious, pre-made coffee at the touch of a button. (Thank you, online ordering!) Basically, it’s the most convenient way to get our signature Snickers Latte without the hustle and bustle of getting to a coffee shop. (Traffic, am I right?) This means that we’ll be entirely online--we won’t serve through a physical location. And here’s the fun part: since we’re offering products only through delivery, we’re focusing our extra resources on new packaging products to make your experience even better. (Go ahead—let out your excitement!)
You’ll be able to order your favorite Bandit drink through any food delivery platform offered in the Phoenix area, such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Door Dash. You’ve got options!
Ok, we know what you’re thinking. Why Arizona, and why “The Farmer’s Daughter?” Both of those questions can be answered in two words: our owners! Before they lived in Kansas, Bandit Coffee Co.’s owners each had called Arizona home. Their lives’ adventures have taken them elsewhere since then, but Arizona is still near and dear to both their hearts. The name of our newest addition, The Farmer’s Daughter, was created to represent bold, hardworking women who stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, like one of our owners herself. The Farmer’s Daughter represents strength, determination, and an untamable passion that fuels success.
Six years ago, we began our Bandit journey as a fully-online e-commerce store. Two years ago, we opened up our first physical Bandit Coffee location in a regional airport in the heart of Kansas. Now, two years later, we’re taking Bandit Coffee Co. to the next level by opening a new location that serves our friends in Arizona.
This big step is only the beginning of The Bandit story. We’re so glad to have you with us!
A bit overwhelming? Here’s a snapshot:
Who: The Farmer’s Daughter!
What: A totally to-go coffee experience that gets our coffee to you through delivery!
When: We’re launching this week!
Where: Arizona friends, this one is for you! We’ll serve the Phoenix area. Not from Arizona? No problem! You can purchase Bandit Coffee online and in select stores. Visit the “Shop” page of our website to find out more!
How: You can order through Grubhub, Door Dash, Uber Eats, and more—any online food delivery platform offered in the Phoenix area!
When I was given the opportunity to write a blog, I was like WOW! What to write about? Being a senior, I am thinking alot about my future, different careers, and the right path to pursue for my life; I am analyzing my dreams/passions and brainstorming ways to create and pursue my dream business.
My friend once asked me “What are the top 10 things that set your soul on fire?” I was like WOW! What a life giving, fun-filled question! This question is still quite frankly my favorite question to ponder, as well as my favorite question to ask others. It reveals so much about an individual and allows others to get a peek into what makes an individual so awesome!
Community, friendships, and having people in your corner is SO crucial in life! It makes chasing dreams and reaching goals that much sweeter! SO my challenge for you is to ponder, journal, and think about this question and write down your answers! My list is below:
What makes you feel most alive? What brings you an immense amount of joy? What makes you get lost in the moment? What sets YOUR soul on fire? I would LOVE to hear your response and learn more about your wonderful self!
Much love,
Lyndsie
]]>Recipe ideas:
1) Bulletproof coffee
2) Coffee smoothie
3) Low sugar cafe mocha for 2
4) 100 calorie caramel latte
For the coconut caramel date sauce
For the iced caramel latte
5) Classic iced coffee
Iced coffee cubes
The drink
These are a few of our favorite recipes and tips! Enjoy!
]]>Then right when we think we have it figured out, the season changes and the menu takes a 180 and we’re back to square one. Can anyone else relate? More often than not we get asked about the differences between our drinks. What’s a cold brew vs. a regular iced coffee? What’s a flat white? A drip brew? A latte? An americano? A macchiato?
Well. The wait is over, it’s time we broke it down for the everyday coffee drinker so the next time you order you know EXACTLY what you’re getting yourself into. It would be a shame if you left under caffeinated…
Here are some of the most common drinks and what they mean:
To the average coffee drinker or non-coffee drinker, these names might feel confusing or unnecessary - we get it! Just remember that they stem from HOW the drinks are made, what goes into them and the technique involved. Next time you want to try a unique/different drink, use this blog as your reference!
Happy coffee drinking!
]]>Just a few years the term “organic” was so misunderstood. The natural food stores were viewed as bougie and expensive and not for the everyday shopper. The organic section of “regular” stores was the expensive section and often avoided.
Then *poof* all things organic were IN and the education behind it is slowly catching up.
If you’ve been paying attention you know that our coffee is certified organic and we wanted to take a minute to dive into the importance of that label. Becoming certified organic is a PROCESS let me tell ya, but being able to give you all the best of the best is what we’ve set out to do and we won’t let you down.
So we have the label - so what? When you see a product is certified organic here’s what you’re being guaranteed:
As a coffee company we clearly don’t encounter the components that include animals, BUT we do emphasize the importance of our coffee beans being grown without any modifications. They are grown in an environment that allows them to grow as is, without modifications, pesticides, or chemicals that could cause further harm.
Being in the coffee industry and learning all of this as we go, we’ve come to appreciate the way our body is able to tell us what it needs. We’ve listened and created a brand that takes the components that matter to it’s drinkers - gut health, clean ingredients, gentle on the stomach, no jitters - and created the best.
Organic + low acidic, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading your labels and educating yourself on the ways what you fuel your body with affect it and if you ever have any questions, give us a holla!
Introducing 1000 Springs Mill, an Idaho based company creating organic, non-gmo products ranging from beans, to oats, to popcorn. Their mission is simple: Healthy people. Healthy future. A belief that we couldn’t be prouder to help promote.
We often talk about the ways we want to position Bandit, the companies we want to work with and the value we want to provide all of you. When the conversations surrounding menu items and ways we could expand our reach Sydney quite literally shouted “I have an idea!” Before we knew it there was a meeting set up and before we knew it a partnership was born.
To best share with you the 1000 Springs Mill mission and insight, we bring to you some highlights from our most recent interview with their team!
1. How did 1000 Springs Mill start?
The Mason and Cornie families have been farming in Idaho’s Magic Valley for three generations. Even more, they have been pioneer partners in the local organic farming movement, focusing on healthy soil, which only reinforced our goal - healthy people, healthy future.
2. What has been the biggest achievement of 1000 Springs Mill?
Our ability to offer people across the U.S organic, healthy food at an affordable price as well as creating innovative products.
3. What’s your favorite product?
My personal favorite is our popcorn! Popped with a little coconut oil and salt…. DELICIOUS.
4. In what ways have you seen growth in your brand?
My favorite place to see growth with our brand is our story! Selling pantry staples isn’t super exciting, but combined with why we do it is incredible. I get to show buyers photos of the farm and explain to customers about planting the seeds and physically being on the farm watching it all happen. We are so fortunate to be able to do what we do on the scale we do it. Most companies that get to see the farm with their own eyes, touch the soil and watch their plants grow are only capable of supplying very minimal amounts. Being 3rd generation farms has given us the opportunity to have enough land to produce millions of pounds of product.
5. If someone wants to get their hands on products, where should they go?
We are in over 1,200 Natural Food stores across the U.S, our website, amazon and hopefully more!
Like they said - check them out! Visit their website : https://1000springsmill.com/ or Instagram : @1000springsmill and feel free to shoot them over a message if you have any questions!
We can’t wait to keep working alongside them and this mission - it’s time to prep our FAVORITE overnight oats, so until next time!
]]>
It was called MADI Apparel -
The more I read, the more I KNEW this was a company I wanted to work with. Not only were their products absolutely breathtaking, but their cause was bigger than any of us. Creating sustainable products and giving back in ways that are changing lives on a global scale.
Not too long after I saw this initial photo, I sent a message which led to an email which led to this beautiful collaboration. From talking about life, to connecting about our small businesses, the founder, Hayley, is truly one of a kind.
This won’t be the last time you hear us RAVE about MADI and the work that they’re doing, but to give you some insight as to why we love them so much, here’s a sneak peek of the full interview we did with Hayley.
The concept and planning came in 2012, we became an official LLC in 2013 and we launched our website and first campaign in 2014!
When we started it was our intention to always stay transparent and authentic. We don’t abide by traditional fashion industry calendars which sets us apart and helps us keep our authenticity alive. When I want to develop a new design and it feels right, I do. When we’re ready to launch it into our collection, we do. When we want to dye a few products in-house, we do. We don’t rely on the traditional seasonal collection launches like the majority of fashion brands which keeps our waste low and makes it so much more fun.
Another one of our missions that we’ve done since the start has been donating underwear. We’ve donated just short of 8,000 pairs of underwear for every item sold to women all over the world. We’ve been picked up by Von Maur department stores and media outlets including: Washington Post, Forbes, BRIDES, The Knot, and more. We’ve been able to continue growing slow and steady which has allowed us to celebrate the little wins as we go!
Yes, and it’s magical! I feel really honored and humbled to have this job, to have the opportunity to serve others and care for the environment. To-date, we’ve donated about 8,000 pairs of underwear to women in requesting organizations all over the world. I’ve personally traveled to donation drop-offs in Ecuador, Cuba and Haiti and over 20 US cities. To be able to volunteer my time to lend a hand, a heart and an ear to listen feels really special and I feel grateful for the opportunity every time.
We sell online and ship across the US as well as internationally. We’re also carried wholesale in select retail stores all over the country. We’re headquartered in Kansas City, MO and opened our flagship store in KC’s Westside neighborhood over 6 years ago. In late 2014, shortly after launching web sales from New Smyrna Beach, FL I moved the company to Kansas City (where I’m originally from). Since early 2015, all of our garments are ethically made just a few blocks from our flagship store in Kansas City.
We LOVE contracting our local dye artist partner, Alyx Jacobs, for small batch natural dye collections. Some of our past natural dye collections include avocado dye - which makes a beautiful blush color, indigo, marigold, and cutch - the wood of ancient cutch trees makes a beautiful terra cotta colored dye.
The easiest way to find us is on our website at madiapparel.com we offer free domestic shipping for all apparel products! We’d love to connect with you on instagram or facebook : @madi_apparel or if you’re in the Kansas City area, please come visit our store!
Like we said, AMAZING. This collaboration is not going anywhere, so stay tuned for more - until next time!
]]>Hey Bandits, I’m Sydney, but my friends call me Syd! I’m coming to you LIVE as the first in-house employee of Bandit Coffee Co! The story of the creation of this position deserves to be shared, so here goes -
Let me take you back to July 2020 when I was FIRST introduced to the one and only, Adrianne Meyer. She spoke on a zoom call I was on and within minutes I slid into her DM’s on Instagram. Before I knew it we were internet besties.
In January 2020 I announced a post-college road trip I was embarking on with the goal to have 20 coffees in 20 states. There was some talk after I made that initial post and that’s when the texts + messages + reach outs started to go into full force. It should be no shock that when I asked to meet up her response was, “hell yes! Oh and do you need a place to stay?!”
SO after 6 months of ONLY knowing this woman through a screen, I showed up at her front door and you would have NEVER known we had just met. I swear the conversations we had were those of old friends.
We talked about everything (except business) for days. Our goals. Our biggest and wildest dreams. Funny stories and embarrassing moments. It wasn’t until MONTHS later that I saw Adrianne post something about Bandit that I reached out and inquired about a position.
From one simple message to laying out my skills and what I could offer to a phone call about the goals of Bandit - I’m coming to you now as the first official employee of Bandit Coffee Co.
**Reference the blog : “Knowing when to Lean into Growing Pains” for more insight**
I’m going to be honest, my job title is a little bit of everything. When you work with a small business, wearing all the hats is a must. But, I freaking LOVE it. I’ve been able to learn so much and also pitch crazy / huge / moderately random ideas and have the opportunity to run with them.
Everyday I become more and more thankful that I sent that DM to Adrianne. I can only imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t…
Okay, that’s the story.
In an effort to continue breaking the ice let me tell you a little more about me, so it’ll be less of a shock when I show my face on social media and appear in photos. Let’s get some fun facts rolling -
So there you have it - an introduction into who the heck I am and a few fun facts. What else do you really need?
Until next time,
Syd
Clearly we were not the only coffee on the market, and we’d be lying if that wasn’t absolutely terrifying. BUT we knew in our gut that what we were offering was like no other. We wanted to be the coffee for the people - that anyone could be a Bandit.
While we’re constantly working to improve or add products to what we offer, some things have and will remain constant and that’s the way we show our appreciation.
There are not enough ways for us to say thank you to the people that have supported us from the beginning. We can’t shout it loud enough to reach all of you across the country that have given us the opportunity to make it this far. After (barely) making it through our first year, we know now more than ever that it’s all of you - our supporters - that have and always will make Bandit all we wanted it to be.
In an effort to show you all our gratitude we will always send a custom note in our packages representing both our brand, through the colors and theme, and our pure gratitude. The day that we can’t create that personal connection with all of you is the day we won’t be qualified to do the job.
Bandit Coffee was created for the people, by the people. We created something new, something fresh, something exciting and it’s through your reactions, your support, and your interest that we’re able to keep doing it.
From the bottom of our heart here at Bandit, THANK YOU.
]]>Do you sit back in awe of the people that go for it?
Have you ever debunked why you aren’t right there with them?
Time and time again we hear people tell us how cool it is that we’re entrepreneurs. As if we did something so brand new and out of the ordinary. Almost like there’s some prerequisite that somehow we met and they didn’t.
I want to shout from the rooftops that entrepreneurship doesn’t work that way!
Entrepreneurship gives you the creative freedom to make your own rules. The only permission you need to make your dream a reality is your own!
While that’s pretty easy to write down, I absolutely understand how freaking scary it is to go from idea to reality. It’s absolutely terrifying.
It’s the voice in the back of your head that makes you wonder if you’re enough -
You name it and it ends with ‘enough.’ Those thoughts are what make you question your qualification.
BUT hear me out, what if you told yourself you were all in? What does that mean to you? If you’re all in, then there’s no space to second guess yourself. There’s no time to wonder if you’re enough because you’re doing the damn thing.
If you’re in stages of pre-entrepreneurship and waiting on someone to yell from the rooftops to go ALL IN - consider this it.
Take your idea and run with it.
You are enough, don’t let yourself or anyone else tell you otherwise.
Boom. You’re an entrepreneur now. How does it feel?
]]>
I would bring that catalog home and circle the crap out of it. Man, I loved the book fair.
The adult version of this book fair was when my school sent home the coffee order form. Yep, you read that right, kids got the books, adults got their coffee.
It wasn’t until recently that I was told it wasn’t JUST coffee, but it was a specific Lakeview Elementary blend of coffee. My school PTO had worked with a local coffee company to create a custom coffee that brought money to my school and caffeine to my parents.
How freaking cool?!
Fast forward from the days when I had no idea what the heck it meant to fuel your day with coffee, and I’m here to tell you this crazy thing that happened back in the day was called co-packing and Bandit has taken it to the next level.
Think of that event, the gift you haven’t figured out, or the perfect way to say thank you - now insert a CUSTOM coffee.
Yep you heard that right. Bandit offers the opportunity for individuals to work hand in hand with our design team to create their perfect bag of coffee. Everything from designing the bag itself, the size, logo, colors, to the actual blend of coffee.
We have PERFECTED co-packing in a way that takes those bags of coffee my parents would order to a whole new level.
Have you thought about leveling up the way you drink coffee? How about gift coffee?
Let’s team up and create something worth remembering -
]]>When we stepped foot in the entrepreneurial space we came in running. We were ready to do something new and different and with a meaning. Whether or not we knew how all of it would fall into place RIGHT in that moment was a different story.
As we continued to learn and pivot and learn some more, new ideas formed. As we created new coffees with new stories there were new possibilities. New people that we could reach. New strategies we could tap into and new opportunities we were ready to take advantage of.
It has been through learning about what is possible in this industry and diving into the value we want to be able to provide that we’re able to say we’re part of a movement.
Let me backup for a minute and talk about our mornings -
We LOVE a good morning routine.
Way before we had ever known what it meant to be an entrepreneur we LIVED for our mornings. It was the opportunity to sip on that morning cup of coffee and create the habits that would set our days up for success. Whether or not we knew it then, we were living a bandit lifestyle.
Have you heard of the 5am club? There’s books and podcasts and speakers that talk about it. The whole idea that the way you start your morning will set the tone for your whole day - does that sound familiar?
Whether or not we knew it 5 years ago, we have joined in on the movement that focuses on the way you start your day. We want to be the foundation of getting you off to the right start and owning your days.
Taking the time to embrace this inner bandit tactic is what will set you apart as an individual. It will create the habits that make you stronger, bolder, and more confident. Who doesn’t want that?
We all have the same 24 hours, it’s all about how we use it. Are you ready to join our movement?
]]>Remember when ordering a coffee was exactly that simple? A cup of black drip coffee. That was it.
Fast forward to today and there’s more flavor combinations and modifications than our parents or grandparents know what to do with. Going to ‘grab a coffee’ is a thing. It’s a date. It’s a place to do homework. The industry has become boutiquified - a term I may have just made up right here right now.
So, 5 years ago when we launched Bandit Coffee we knew there would be competition coming out of our ears, so we started brainstorming. We’re talking, ALL of the out of the box thinking you can imagine.
Then it hit us.
We were going to create a Coffee brand that highlighted the STORY each bag told. We were going to go beyond the societal coffee norms and create something with more meaning. Something our consumers could connect to. It would spark interest, curiosity, and create a community in the process.
Every single bag of coffee we’ve named has a meaning behind it -
The Outlaw : Similar to the concept of ‘outlaw logic’ this coffee highlights the ways we broke the rules of coffee. From the way we chose our beans, packaging, and the flavor it would have, we stepped outside of what was ‘normal.’ Creating our #1 best seller, we must have been onto something.
Black Jax : Named after our golden retriever Jax, this bag of coffee is a dark roast perfect for espresso and emphasizes the energy that will be gained after a sip. Similar to Jax, this coffee is the “wild card.”
The Gambler : Our first Thai sourced coffee represents the gamble we took through this partnership. Emphasizing the ways you can take a gamble in your daily life to create new possibilities and partnerships that could create something you never predicted.
Black Water : Our decaf blend references the name the cowboys gave weak coffee. Tying together our western theme and coffee names, the decaffeination process was done through chemical-free removal, creating a cleaner and fresher taste.
These are just a few examples, but do you see what we mean? From the simple branding to incorporating these stories, this has been our entry to share who Bandit is.
We are here to create the community. To create the Bandit mentality within our consumers. To remind anyone and everyone that they too can be brave and bold.
It’s through our coffee that we communicate and we can’t wait to keep sharing our story, after all, there’s so much to tell.
Final Part : Turning your Stories into a Movement >>>
When Bandit Coffee was born we prioritized creating something that would be worth remembering. Focusing on the details that would make our customers and followers want to remember us.
Think about it.
Where are my Target people?
Do you remember the first time you went? Odds are it was so long ago that you don’t, but it’s most likely still your go to.
Have you thought about what makes it your go-to? The feeling you get when you’re walking around. The experience that is offered by going. It’s no accident that we leave with things that weren’t on the list.
Now, insert that feeling you had for Target and think about the other places you go out of habit. Bandit has worked to create the branding to make it your go-to for coffee.
When you think of coffee. We want you to think of us. We want you to channel your inner bandit and know that we created a community of people just like you.
If you’re in the entrepreneurship space looking for a few tips, here’s our advice:
When your audience thinks about the errands they need to run and the businesses they will ALWAYS support, create something that makes the cut. Put heart and authenticity into it and make it your own.
Branding is a reflection of who you and your brand will represent, make it count.
Next up: Creating a Story Around your Brand >>>
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These lessons not only made me appreciate all of the things that my mother did for me, but it made me proud of the little human that I am raising and how much he has changed me for the better.
As a mom, you constantly put your child first. Whether it’s feeding them over yourself, doing their laundry when you have no underwear left in your drawer, waking up for those middle of the night feedings, or holding them close because they need the comfort of their mommas. It doesn’t matter how tired or overwhelmed we are, we still do it, because we’re their mom.
To me, being a good mom means knowing when to take care of myself. Learning to fill my cup before trying to pour from an empty one.
So, taking that I started to think how I could take a small amount of time to fill my soul so that I could pour into my little one. For me, that means creating a morning routine where I focus on myself. Each morning I wake up 20 minutes before Ridge and pour myself a cup of coffee. I sit down, drink it slowly and quietly and then do some journaling.
Something as simple as waking up before he does and enjoying my cup of coffee helps my day run so much smoother. It has quickly become a routine that I get most excited about every single morning.
If you are reading this, no matter how long you’ve been a mom, this mother’s day, remember - it’s ok to make time for you, in fact it is needed!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas out there that are raising small humans. You are doing amazing and there is no better mom out there for your little one than YOU.
]]>When I was younger I remember watching my parents start their days with a cup of coffee. The number of times I asked to try it and immediately regretted it is more than I can count. I just couldn’t get over what was so great about this thing they HAD to have every morning. Fast forward to my college years and I have a different perspective on the manner…
It didn’t matter how long the day was going to be, it started, continued, and ended with a cup of coffee in my hand. It was the smell that filled the house that got me out the door in a great mood. It was beating an afternoon crash that kept me on track. It was being able to study ALL night that helped me pass the hardest exams.
Then one day my relationship with caffeine changed. That afternoon cup of coffee that I CRAVED was suddenly keeping me up ALL night. Talk about an unfortunate side effect of being an adult…
Not really sure where to go with this newfound relationship with one of my favorite things, I remembered my grandpa telling me that he religiously switches to decaf coffee in the afternoon. Filling his coffee needs, but not keeping him up at night.
His love for decaf was INTENSE. Like to the point where he would get frustrated if he was out and it wasn’t available... Honestly, now I get it.
You see, it’s the way society has us programmed. We believe we need to be focused and productive ALL THE TIME, not thinking about the things we consume and how it’ll affect us later in the day. I’m all for the energy, the taste, and the feeling of holding that warm travel cup while I’m in the car, but I won’t be productive tomorrow if I don’t get that sleep tonight.
Decaf, you single handedly give me my coffee fill AND get me the sleep I need. I would not accomplish half of my to-do list without you.
XO
Bandit Coffee Drinkers
]]>Fast forward to turning that idea into reality. Putting in the endless hours, working in the nooks and crannies of your days, finding success, finding failures, and FINALLY getting to see the growth you wanted.
But how about those moments you WISHED you had some help. Someone to brainstorm with, someone that could pick up projects that got put on the back burner, someone that could be part of your team. The idea of having that person, for most entrepreneurs, sounds like a dream. Like just maybe you’d be able to take your business to the next level.
How many of you have craved the help but weren’t ready to let in someone new to your business?
After all, that business was your baby. It was your dream that kept you up at night, that had you working at all hours of the day, it was your stress and anxiety that made it what it is today. The idea of handing off projects to someone else, someone that isn’t you, is TERRIFYING.
Loud and clear for the people in the back, I GET IT.
Bandit has had 5 years where it’s only additional employees were behind the counter in our airport café. But here’s the thing, we couldn’t afford NOT to have someone else added to our team. There were too many moving parts, too many ideas, too many deadlines to do by ourselves.
I know, it’s easier watching someone else do it than to do it yourself, so let me explain how I FINALLY got to this point from the Bandit perspective, and just maybe, you’ll find something useful in it you can apply to your own growth.
After going through those few steps I knew the things I was spending my time on, while super important to my business and it’s growth, were not where MY time needed to be spent. There were debates, there was denial, there was hesitation in handing over this thing that we had grown to some random person who was supposedly going to do as good of a job.
The big fat scary answer to all of the above is YES.
Yes you are going to hire someone that’s going to see your vision, your mission, and bring value to the team. Maybe they weren’t there the whole time, but they’re here now. Living in the present, understanding what your business needs and where you need to be spending your time will set you apart from the rest.
Focus on your strengths, be willing to ask for help, and have a little faith that it will all work out exactly like it’s supposed to.
]]>My name is Lillee Richard and I’m a freshman at Washington County School. In an effort to broaden my experiences, I partnered with Bandit Coffee Company to get an inside look to what it’s like in the coffee industry.
To get the Bandit experience, I spent my day in their cafe inside the Manhattan Airport shadowing my cousin, who’s also one of the founders, Adrienne Meyer. It was through her expertise in the coffee industry that I was able to learn from the best. We started out with some of the less complicated drinks where I got to practice my latte making skills, which still have some room for improvement.
Starting off the day, we arrived at the airport for a flight and started to set up. Addy showed me around and started setting up for an exciting day serving customers before their flight. She then showed me the espresso machine, what it does, how it works, and how to make an espresso. As the day went on I got to expand my experience into americano and macchiato, both of which I got to make and serve to customers!
I can say without a doubt, of all the things I learned today, I can confirm that my favorite coffee drink is a lavender latte. Bandit coffee taught me a great deal about their coffee and how they go from bean to bag and all in between.
After getting the “Bandit experience” I have learned hard work, and the dedication it takes to run a successful coffee business. I’m grateful for the chance to have shadowed and can’t wait to watch this company continue to grow!
To anyone looking for the best coffee in town visit their website!
]]>The component that takes an adjustment, that not everyone anticipates, is how you get other people to see your vision, your passion, and your dream.
We stepped into the coffee industry, creating a product that has more competitors than we can count, more modifications than we knew how to make, and more names than we had ever needed to write on a cup.
But here’s the thing. When you have a passion and you’re willing to share it, the community grows and the relationships form because you’re unapologetically yourself.
Okay, let’s dive into what you’re waiting for. Here are some steps YOU can apply right here, right now toward your idea, your passion, your life changing company we know you’ve thought of.
Step 1: Own your idea - write it down, shout it from the rooftops, and OWN IT!
Step 2: Create a community around your passion - build a group of like-minded individuals that will be your support for when you decide to launch a product or a business. Those are your people.
Step 3: Launch your idea - you can dream all day every day, but it’s time to ACT! You have your community, they’re ready to support you, let them!
Step 4: Stay confident, stay authentic, and set yourself apart from the crowd - you’re a Bandit, we know you’re going to change the world
Alright Bandit, we’re ready to be your cheerleader - own that idea and let your passion take you far!
Until next time ~
]]>Let me start by saying thank you. You’ve (nearly) single handedly gotten me through every day. You make my coffee just the way I like it. Every. Single. Time. and honestly, you don’t get enough credit.
I couldn’t tell you the number of cups I have in a day, but I can tell you that you’re helping me save a lot of coffee. Could you imagine how much coffee I would be wasting if I made a whole pot for myself? Yikes.
Since I stepped into this whole adulting thing it feels like there’s always something to do. Whether it’s work or errands, my brain needs to be on and I can count on you for that.
It doesn’t matter if my day was absolutely chaotic and your cup of coffee is all I need to stay sane. Or if it has been a rainy day curled up on the couch and your cup of coffee brought me warmth. Without fail, every time, that simple cup of coffee brings me so much joy.
Sometimes I think the concept of joy gets too overcomplicated. Joy doesn’t need to come in expensive boxes or last a certain amount of time or be with certain people. That most simple joy, the one that puts a smile on your face, that one, comes from a simple cup of coffee.
For all that joy, I have you to thank.
XO
Bandit Coffee Drinkers
]]>Now, imagine you made that passion your job?
Bandit was the byproduct of loving coffee and having an idea. 5 years later, we’re here to tell you to take the plunge, say yes, and go all in on taking your passion to that next level.
I know, I know, it’s scary and it’s uncertain and there are a million reasons it might not work, but here’s the thing, what if it does?
Everything, and I mean everything, is a learning curve. You will never start something that you know all the answers to and if you do, well, that would probably be a first. Just like all of you, we had an idea, a rough estimate of what it might take, and we were half right about all of it.
5 years ago we were in the process of complete burnout. So excited and ready to make some changes we embraced learning an entirely new industry to find that passion again. We brainstormed, we dreamed big, and we took the leap.
Knowing how much ‘grabbing a coffee’ has shifted and the number of competitors, Bandit was created to focus on the people that consumed it and the story each bag told. Focusing on the personas rather than the roast.
If a day is going to start with a cup (or 5) of coffee, why not drink one that represents who you are, what you stand for, and aspire to be. This coffee has given us the opportunity to learn something new, connect with our community, and create something that’s more than a caffeine boost.
Think of that passion, think of how it could change your life, and think of how you could create your own movement.
From one Bandit to the next, you’ve got this!
]]>Seal your windows and doors. Gaps around windows and doors can allow air to seep in so we recommend checking for gaps and sealing them up to keep your house warmer in the winter. Caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors as needed. This minor and inexpensive task can help you save on heating costs.
Stock up on cold-weather essentials. When winter storms hit, they often come with power outages. To ensure you and your family are prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you this winter, you will want to have an emergency kit ready. Here are some of our top recommendations of cold-weather specific items to have on hand: a working, fully charged fire extinguisher, an alternative heat source, candles (we're obsessed with these), don't forget about the ice melt, and a shovel if your area is prone to ice and snow.
Clean and store your lawn equipment. After a summer of yard work, gas-powered equipment such as mowers, trimmers, tillers, and chippers can all benefit from service before being stored for the winter. This basic checklist will get you started on your equipment's maintenance, but be sure to check the owners manual for any specific requirements for your machines. Empty all of the fuel. Gas can degrade all the time, and the ethanol in E10 gas can damage fuel lines and other components while sitting unused. Try to use up most of the fuel during the last mowing of the season. You can remove what's left with a meat baser, then run the engine until it stops. Check with your local waste management or public works department for guidance on how to dispose of the fuel. Clean the machine of oil and yard debris, and sharpen the blades. Store your equipment for winter in a basement, garage, or covered storage shed where it is safe from the weather.
Put a "winter supply" box in your car! We believe that this is the single most important thing you can do for your car and for your personal safety. Here is Bandit's quick list of items that you should include in that box: a flashlight, blanket, road flares, first aid kit, extra change of warm clothes, gloves, a radio, a charged cell phone for 911 calls, a bag of sand for traction, an ice scraper, and some high energy snacks like jerky or nuts.
Use winter windshield wiper fluid. Not all windshield wiper fluid's are created equal. Ordinary fluid that you use in the spring, summer and fall often becomes essentially useless in the winter, as it freezes quickly upon contact with your windshield. Any automotive store will have a winter windshield fluid you can purchase!
Switch to a winter-grade oil at your next oil change (in general, the colder the weather, the thinner you want the oil to be). The viscosity of your oil in colder weather is indicated by the first number in the oil specification, with a lower number indicating better viscosity in cold weather. For example, a 5W-30 oil is better in the winter then a 10W-30 oil.
Lower the thermostat in your home to avoid dryness. When it's chilly outside, what's the first thing you want to do? Crank up the heat! But central heat can make the air in your house even drier (which leads to annoying dry hair and dry and itchy skin). Crazy how that works? Try setting the thermostat at a cool yet comfortable setting. We recommend between 68F to 72F. Bandit Pro Tip: invest in a quality humidifier or diffuser. We love these and these. This will help keep your home feeling like a 5-star spa!
Modify your facial skin-care regimen for the season. During the winter months, choose cream-based cleansers, and apply toners and astringents sparingly, if at all. Many astringents contain alcohol, which can further dry your skin. When your skin is dry and itchy, the AAD recommends you stop using products that contain alcohol and fragrances in order to help skin retain its natural oils. At night, use a richer moisturizer on your face. Wait! Don't forget your lips! Applying a moisturizer balm such as petroleum jelly or another ointment that can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting chapped, according to the AAD. If, however, your lip product causes a stinging or tingling sensation, try switching to a different product. We are obsessed with this line for its anti-aging properties, vegan and botanically based and one of the best lines on the market.
Apply sunscreen- even on those gray winter days. On bright winter days, snow reflects the sun's rays up to 80%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation- increasing your risk of exposure. That means whether you're out on the slopes, playing in the snow, or just walking through a parking lot on an errand run, it's just as important to be applying sunscreen in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer. We recommend finding a daily moisturizer that has spf in it.