Black Drip releases canned cold brew as KC coffee maker leans into creative blends
March 12, 2024 | Taylor Wilmore
A new cold brew version from Charon Thompson’s popular Kansas City coffee brand drips with strength, the co-founder said, teasing its arrival on the market just as the metro begins to heat up for the spring.
“I can’t sell hot coffee when it’s like 92 degrees,” said Thompson, recalling an experience during a Black Drip Coffee event in August when he realized the potential of adding a cold brew to Black Drip’s lineup.
“It’s pretty strong, it’ll wake you up,” he added. “It’s just the coffee so you can add to it or add it to your own coffee to make it stronger.”
Click here to follow Black Drip Coffee on Instagram.
Black Drip’s Cold Brew Renegade is made with the brand’s popular Renegade coffee blend — offering a smooth, rich flavor for people who prefer their coffee cold, Thompson said.
“I wanted to bring something new, refreshing and cold to the community.”
Black Drip Coffee; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
The cold brew is available for purchase online and in-stores at the Black Pantry, District Biscuit, The Spot, The Merc Co+op, and Ruby Jean’s.
Thompson — who co-founded the coffee company with Dan Smith — likes that he can experiment with flavors and other elements within the brewing process to expand Black Drip’s product line.
“I’m going to put some different flavors in there and mix it up, because you can do a lot with the cold brew,” he said.
From designing the packaging to finding the right size for the cans (eventually deciding on an 8 ounce offering), Thompson navigated the production process for the new cold brew with determination and support from the team at Messenger Coffee.
“It was pretty smooth. It’s always good to have somebody to help you out when it comes to the process of your business,” he said.
Daniel Smith and Charon Thompson, Black Drip Coffee, The Porter House KC; photo by Channa Steinmetz, Startland News
New blends coming up
Thompson and Smith plan to introduce new blends and possibly even a coffee trailer to reach more customers. But amid those business goals comes a personal touch to a potential new launch: a special blend dedicated to Smith’s late grandfather.
“Dan was very close to his grandfather. So I wanted to do a special blend for him because we’re really tight. He’s actually my LB, my frat brother,” said Thompson.
The duo connected in college at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and now own and operate Black Drip Coffee, along with founding The Porter House KC together. The latter nonprofit entrepreneur support organization provides space, expertise, and education for underserved business owners.
The idea came about when the pair started their cleaning gig back in college with little support, Thompson said.
“We wanted to do The Porter House KC because we couldn’t find resources during that time to help us out with our business,” said Thompson.
Topping more shelves
Even though Black Drip Coffee’s OctoberFest in September was a success with more than 60 food vendors, live music with local musicians, and a large turnout, Thompson is putting it on hold along with other major events this year because safety concerns.
“I’m not sure if we’re going to do it this year due to the fact of the parade issue,” he said. “We have to be careful about having such a huge event.”
Thompson’s focus instead has shifted to expanding Black Drip’s presence in more stores, recently securing a partnership with Merc Co+Op in Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas.
“We wanted to bring something that anybody could drink,” Thompson said, detailing how quality and approachability fuel Black Drip’s momentum. “A specialty blend that’s affordable.”
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Rhinestone’d to RuPaul reality: Fan-turned-KC fashion icon shines with ‘Drag Race’ design
RuPaul may not know Whitney Manney’s name, but the “Drag Race” host is now acquainted with the Kansas City fashion designer’s work, she said. The owner of the KC-based WHITNEYMANNEY label had the “wild experience” of designing and constructing the trans-pride, “Troop Beverly Hills”-inspired entrance look for Monica Beverly Hillz for Season 8 of “RuPaul’s…
Emerging esports org sets sights on sustainability, says it’s leveling up with industry veterans
A new esports organization has hit the ground running — and winning — less than six months since its founding, according to its Kansas City co-founder. M80 is set up for sustained success not just because the organization’s Valorant and Rainbow Six teams already boast one championship apiece, Nate Schanker said, but also thanks to…
How a Bonner Springs-based design firm turned a napkin sketch into this state-of-the-art camper
Whether a user is 51,000 feet in the air, or traveling across the Rocky Mountains on a camping trip, Infusion Design is focused on designing spaces that perform at the highest level for what a person needs and desires, said Sean Elsner. The company was always meant to stand out from the competition, the Infusion…
These two Small Biz of the Year finalists are among the half-dozen KC firms honored as Inc.’s ‘Best Workplaces’
A workplace in the era of talent shortages and a hyper-competitive jobs market is only as good as its ability to meet employees’ nuanced needs, said Melea McRae, a top founder whose marketing company was among six Kansas City firms selected for Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces list. “Through our un-agency business model, we’ve built a…