Can We Tell You A Story?

CanvasRebel is an online pursuit of storytelling to share the different perspectives from creatives and entrepreneurs about their everyday, relatable successes. In January 2024 they shared an interview with Tony, and we are excited to bring that to you (in small bites!) to share some insight into the drive and vision for Enderly Coffee. 

Please enjoy!

PART 1:

Tony , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?

I was a broke teacher with a wife, 2 kids, almost no money in the bank, and a hobby. I’d never started a business, never ran a business, & did not believe I could make this work. It was a scary place to be.

Tony Santoro at Enderly Coffee Cafe on Tuckaseegee Rd. (Photo Credit: Julia Faye https://www.juliafayphotography.com/)

I hit a season where I did not know what I was going to do, but I knew teaching was not cutting it. I began throwing resumes around to anyone paying $50k. A good friend of mine was growing his own business, a consulting company. I had huge respect for his journey from corporate to doing his own thing. One night he asked me, “What do you really want to be doing?” I insisted I’d love to grow my coffee roasting business.

That friend offered me a role at his company & encouragement, all with the understanding that the job’s purpose was to create a runway for me to launch into coffee roasting. So that is what I did. I quit teaching to work finance & operations for a consulting company 32 hours a week. I went from teaching 7th graders to working in an industry and company I had no business working in, all in about 30 days.



Unroasted Coffee Beans at Enderly Coffee Warehouse (Photo Credit: Jonathan Cooper https://www.coopernicusphotos.com/)

Local coffee poured into Diner Mug (Photo Credit: Jonathan Cooper )

It was in this role that I entered naive and terrified. I had never worked outside of a school or restaurant. I did not know what I was doing (honestly, I still don’t). For 13 months I reported to the office 32 hours a week, then with any and every free time I had I was working on growing my company. It was in this role at this company that I learned basic finance practices, basic HR practices, financial forecasting, even some sales strategy.

I believe that I became an asset over time to them, though I definitely had my initial doubts. But this time with the company was the best education I had to help prepare me for entrepreneurship. No classrooms, no cohorts. I was in it, I was doing it. I was around it every day. I left the company after 13 months with the framework of the company I wanted to build and put it into action.

This time, and this friend, gave me the confidence that propelled me to where we are today. That was 2014-2015. It is now 2023. I believe that time learning “on the job” is the best training one can look for.





Brewing Good: The Inspiring Collaboration Between Leiva's and Enderly (10 Years and running)

In the world of specialty coffee, the stories behind each cup often go well beyond the beans themselves. One such story is the collaboration between Leiva's Coffee and Enderly Coffee Company. This partnership was not just a business deal; it was a meeting of minds, values, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Below are some photos of Tony’s visit with his daughter to visit Norma and Armando Leivas in Guatemala in 2019.

The story begins in 2014 when Tony’s friend Daniel crossed paths with Mynor (the owner, Geovanni’s, brother) from the Leiva family in Guatemala. Daniel brought Tony some coffee back from a trip to Guatemala, knowing that Tony was dabbling in coffee roasting back in Charlotte, NC. Sparking curiosity, Tony learned more about this family and their values and began wondering if he could bring in the Leivas Coffee green (unroasted) to America to roast for his friends & family. This is where he met Geovanni and the 10 year relationship was on!

What ignited this collaboration was not just a love for exceptional coffee but a shared set of values. Tony was drawn to the Leiva family's commitment to education and their dedication to supporting coffee farmers.

Meet Geovanni and Alana Leiva, the newest generation of leaders behind Leiva’s Coffee.

What sets Leiva's Coffee apart goes beyond the great flavors in every cup. Leiva's Coffee has been an integral part of the coffee community in Guatemala since 1950. Beyond cultivating exceptional coffee beans, the Leiva family has actively contributed to the well-being and development of their local community.

Currently, they oversee the operations of Lan Vwa, a non-profit school that facilitates education for local children. The Leiva family also provides essential amenities like water filters and stoves, prioritizing safety and health for their fellow community members. Their commitment extends to medical assistance, elderly care, and other holistic community development initiatives.

The Leiva family has been an integral part of their community in Guatemala for over 70 years.

One inspiring story emerging from Leiva's commitment to education is the success of a graduate who returned to the coffee village with a nursing degree. She is now giving back to the community, a testament to the positive ripple effect of investing in education and community development.

Looking ahead, Leiva's Coffee is excited about introducing their coffee to new customers and expanding their business. This expansion not only creates more employment opportunities at the coffee farm but also contributes to the growth and prosperity of the Leiva’s community in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Just like Enderly, Leiva’s Coffee is a family business. Every decision is made with care to provide support for employees, the local community and the coffee community, at large.

When asked what message they hope people take away after drinking a cup of Leiva’s coffee, Geovanni and Alana Leiva replied, “We aspire for people to recognize that coffee presents numerous opportunities for positive impact, and they possess the purchasing influence to empower farmers. By making intentional choices with their buying power, individuals can play a pivotal role in creating positive opportunities within the coffee industry.”

Enderly Coffee’s Guatemala Finca de Leiva’s, one of our most popular bags!


The intentional efforts of Tony and the Enderly team have made a significant difference for coffee farmers in Guatemala. Leiva's is proud to contribute to Enderly's initiative, playing a part in crafting delicious beverages for the Charlotte community.

As you savor your cup of Guatemala Finca de Leivas, may you not only enjoy the exquisite taste but also reflect on the incredible journey and positive impact that each sip represents.







Show Your Support for CMS Title I Educators with a Case of Coffee!

At Enderly Coffee, we believe in the power of coffee to fuel not just our mornings but also the passion and dedication of educators. Founded by two former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Title I teachers, our company understands the vital role that simple displays of compassion can play in supporting our hardworking educators.

In an effort to give back to our community, we're excited to introduce the Enderly Coffee Overstock Bags Program.

Support local educators by participating in Enderly Coffee’s Overstock Bags Program!

The Initiative:

We find ourselves with a bit of a predicament: We’ve got too much coffee! Because of this unexpected surplus, we've decided to turn it into an opportunity to support Title I educators in CMS. Can you imagine being a teacher and suddenly receiving a free bag of coffee? We know you want to be a part of making someone’s day like that! Here's how you can join us in making a positive impact:

  • Buy a Case for $45:

    • Purchase a case of 6 coffee bags for $45 on our website. *Choose Title I school from the drop-down menu on our website (there’s even a little place for you to add a note to say hi to them!)

    • We'll deliver the case directly to the Title I school you select ensuring that educators at this school can enjoy the rich flavor of Enderly Coffee.

    • We will also donate 40% of the proceeds back to the school's PTA, supporting additional resources and activities for the students.

  • Nominate a School:

    • If you don't see a specific Title I school listed, or if there's a school you're passionate about supporting, you can email admin@enderlycoffee.com.

    • We'll work with you to set up a delivery to the nominated school, ensuring that no educator is left without the boost they deserve.

    • Please note, if a school is outside of CMS, additional shipping fees may apply.

Enderly Coffee's Overstock Bags Program is more than just a way to clear our shelves – it's a meaningful initiative to give back to our local educators who are shaping the future for kids in our area.

By participating in this program, you get to contribute to the well-being of teachers and the educational community by sending them something almost everyone can agree is an excellent way to lift spirits – delicious local, speciality coffee! Let's come together and make a positive impact, one cup at a time. Join us in supporting CMS Title I educators today!






Did you know? There’s an after-hours book club at Enderly!

For the last 2 years, we've had an exciting partnership brewing in the heart of Charlotte that's as delicious and heart-warming as your favorite cup of coffee. Today, we’re spilling the beans on one of our most unique collaborations between Enderly Coffee and the incredible folks at Habitual Roots.

Sipping Coffee, Cultivating Emotional Intelligence

Imagine a space where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee meets the warm embrace of community connection. That's exactly what happens when Habitual Roots gathers at Enderly’s coffee shop.

Over 2 years ago, Tony and Justin (the Executive Director of Habitual Roots) made a connection through a mutual friend and realized the unique opportunity they had to collaborate. The result was a beautiful partnership that, to this day, brings a fun and unique experience to Enderly after-hours.

For the last 5 years Habitual Roots, a non-profit based in Charlotte, has had a mission to make mental and emotional wellness accessible, fun, and stigma-free. And once a month, as the sun sets and Enderly Coffee closes its doors for the day, Habitual Roots brings that mission to life.

The result? A magical evening known as the Intuitive Book Club. Picture this: a cozy setting, the sound of pages turning and thoughtful discussion, and the lingering fragrance of Enderly coffee filling the air. It's a unique blend of literary exploration and a warm cup of comfort that creates an experience unlike any other.

Habitual Roots members gather at Enderly Coffee once a month for Intuitive Book Club

More Than Just a Cup of Joe

What makes this partnership truly special is how it brings people together in unexpected ways. Some participants may have never stepped foot into Enderly's coffee shop during regular hours, yet they get to experience the fantastic coffee and community atmosphere during these after-hours rendezvous. It's like having a secret coffee society where the main agenda is building connections and cultivating mental and emotional wellness.

Both Habitual Roots and Enderly share a common goal – to foster a community where everyone feels welcome, included, and supported. Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or a first-time wellness explorer, there's a place for you in Intuitive Book Club.

What makes this partnership special is that there is a unique opportunity for Enderly and Habitual Roots to support one another, besides just making the traditional referrals to one another's businesses. We invite you to be a part of this community partnership, too. 

Enderly Coffee is more than just a place to grab your favorite brew; it's a community hub waiting for you to explore. If you're inspired by the magic created by Habitual Roots at Enderly, why not consider renting out the coffee shop for your own special event?

Habitual Roots members interact with Enderly Coffee in a unique way when the shop is closed to the public!

Brew Your Own Community Event!

Are you itching to host your own book club, art show, or maybe even a mini-concert? Enderly's doors are open to you! Reach out to us at admin@enderlycoffee.com and let the cozy ambiance be the backdrop to your next gathering. Who knows, you might just discover the perfect blend of community and connection.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's keep the spirit of community alive, one cup of coffee at a time. ☕📚




Delight Your Taste Buds This Holiday: Try These 3 Delicious Coffee-Inspired Recipes!

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and indulge in delicious treats that warm the heart and soul. Elevate your celebrations this year with three delicious recipes that feature the flavors of Enderly Coffee! 

From a mouthwatering Apple Coffee Cake to a savory Coffee Marinated Steak and a luscious No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream, these recipes are sure to leave a lasting impression at any of your holiday gatherings.

And, may we also recommend? As you’re working through these recipes, wash it all down with a comforting cup of Enderly’s Sweater Weather blend, newest Limited Release #30 from Colombia, or even a Single-Origin Honduras Decaf, if you’re cooking into the wee hours of the night.


Apple Coffee Cake

Recommended Enderly Coffee*: Ethiopia Worka - Light Roast

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup strongly brewed Enderly Coffee, cooled

  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (we recommend the NC Arkansas Black or NC Stayman Winesap Apples from our partners at Mecklenburg County Market!)

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  • In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Enderly Coffee.

  • Fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • Allow the cake to cool before serving. Enjoy a slice with a cup of Enderly Coffee for the ultimate holiday treat!

Coffee Marinated Steak

Recommended Enderly Coffee*: Westside Espresso Blend

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs flank steak

  • 1 cup strong brewed Enderly Coffee, cooled

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the Enderly Coffee, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, and black pepper to create the marinade.

  • Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak.

  • Seal the bag, ensuring the steak is well-coated, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

  • Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until desired doneness is reached.

  • Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing. 

  • Serve with your favorite holiday sides and enjoy the savory, coffee-infused goodness!

No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream

Recommended Enderly Coffee*: Guatemala - Leivas - Medium Light Roast

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1/2 cup strong brewed Enderly Coffee, cooled

Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

  • In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and brewed Enderly Coffee.

  • Gently fold the coffee mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.

  • Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container and smooth the top.

  • Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

  • Scoop the no-churn coffee ice cream into bowls or cones and savor the creamy, caffeinated delight as a festive dessert or a refreshing treat after a holiday meal.

  • Pro-tip: Serve one small scoop of ice cream in a coffee mug, then pour some freshly brewed Enderly Coffee over-top for a delicious affogato!

This holiday season, let the comforting smell of Enderly Coffee fill your kitchen and infuse your favorite recipes with warmth and elevated flavor. Whether you're indulging in a slice of Apple Coffee Cake, savoring a bite of Coffee Marinated Steak, or treating yourself to a scoop of No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream, these recipes are sure to become favorites for years to come. 

Embrace the joy of the season with these delicious coffee-infused recipes that will impress family and friends alike. Cheers to a holiday filled with memorable moments and a comforting cup of Enderly Coffee!

*Note: These are recommendations based on the coffee’s flavor profiles, but the decision is up to you. Any of our coffees will make fantastic additions to these recipes!


Check off your gift list: Enderly has a prepaid coffee subscription!

By now, we’re guessing you know that Enderly offers a coffee subscription service. But, did you know we ALSO offer a pre-paid subscription service?! Like for gifts?!? 3 month, 6 month, 12 month…?!?


You might be asking: Why choose a prepaid subscription as a holiday gift? Here are a few reasons.

Purchase a prepaid subscription for your loved one so they can have fresh Enderly Coffee sent straight to their door!

First, for those of you looking for a unique gift that keeps on giving, this is the perfect way to show your loved one you care about them this holiday season. This is a much better way than giving 6 bags of fresh roasted coffee at one time, only to sit and go stale over the next few months.

Second, for our company, coffee subscriptions create predictable revenue so that we can support our farmers, partners and employees on a more consistent basis. As you well know, Enderly prides itself on providing fair and equitable wages to everyone we work with, from seed to cup. If we know what’s coming in each month, it’s easier for us to plan for expenses and give our employees things like paid leave and health insurance!

Now that we’ve convinced you…

You’ve got your credit card out and you’re ready to visit our subscription checkout page … but what are the details? We’ve got you. Prepaid subscriptions can be purchased for 3-, 6- or 12-months; ensuring that the person you choose to give this to receives fresh coffee well beyond the holiday season.

The Enderly Coffee prepaid subscription – pay ahead of time for 3, 6 or 12-months of coffee sent straight to your home!


But what kind of coffee can we send to our special person?


Why, we’re so glad you asked! On the checkout page, you’ll be prompted to choose your grind (whole bean, drip, french press or espresso) and whether you want to send our fresh water processed decaf or a roaster’s choice of caffeinated coffee.


With the Enderly Coffee prepaid subscription service, not only are you giving a fantastic, forward-thinking gift to your special someone, but you’re also putting your money where your values are. By having predictable revenue each month, you’re helping our small business thrive so that we – in turn – can support our partners, employees and community.


We can’t wait to see the look on your loved one’s face when you place that Enderly Coffee prepaid subscription under the tree (take a picture and be sure to tag us!)





How does my coffee get here? An Importer’s Story

Coffee isn’t just a beverage; it's a culture, a way of life, and a shared passion that brings people together. It's the result of hard work and dedication at every step of the supply chain, from the coffee farms to your morning latte. 

That’s why it was a no-brainer for Enderly to work with Balzac Brothers to import the coffee we roast and serve. Since the beginning, we’ve partnered with them to bring the highest quality, most ethically sourced coffee possible right here to Charlotte for you to enjoy.

If you’re wondering what the process of getting your beans from field to cup looks like, keep reading, because we’re about to share a story about just how impactful the coffee industry can be.

Balzac Brothers Coffee Importers: A Century of Expertise

Since 1917, Balzac Brothers have scoured the globe in search of the world's finest coffee beans. This isn't just about finding any coffee; it's about sourcing the best of the best.


Balzac Brothers has a long history of nurturing relationships with coffee farms. One of those partnerships is with Fazenda Do Salto – where Enderly sources our Brazilian single origin. This farm boasts not only a prime location for coffee cultivation (arguably one of the coffee capitals of the world!), but also an altitude of 1,250 meters, making it ideal for the production of high-quality Arabica coffee, recognized as one of the most challenging varieties to grow.


Fazenda Do Salto’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is evident in their rainforest certification – a certification that's exceptionally challenging to obtain. It underscores their dedication to preserving not only the quality of coffee but also the environment where it's grown.


The partnership between Balzac Bros and Enderly began almost a decade ago when Tony was referred to them through another roaster. The values of both organizations aligned almost immediately, with a commitment to sourcing high quality coffee from the same farmers year-over-year, making for a more sustainable supply chain for all involved.

The Process of Importing Coffee

The process begins with the machine picking of coffee cherries in Brazil, where the flatter topography simplifies the harvest. However, the real magic happens in the processing of the coffee. Fazenda Do Salto uses a honey process for the coffee Enderly purchases, what some call a semi-wash method, and employs static boxes for drying, ensuring a uniform drying process that is essential for coffee quality.


Once the coffee is processed at the farm and approved by the Importers, it embarks on a journey from Brazil to the U.S. The coffee is shipped to the Charleston port (where Balzac Bros is currently located), and from there, it's meticulously handled to ensure that the beans reach Enderly Coffee's roasting facility in pristine condition. The whole process, from the coffee tree to the roasting facility, takes approximately 1-2 months.

Fazenda Do Salto: The Heart of the Partnership

Fazenda Do Salto, the heart of this incredible partnership, is located in Carmo da Cachoeira, Brazil. The Reis family's century-long commitment to coffee is evident in the exceptional quality of coffee produced at Fazenda Do Salto. They make use of state-of-the-art infrastructure, selective harvests, and precise fermentation processes to ensure their coffee consistently ranks among the best.

Beyond the production of coffee, the Reis family takes the future and security of their employees to heart, offering education and homes to their staff. Remarkably, 85% of the Fazenda Do Salto team were born on the farm, showcasing the deep-rooted love and commitment of this farm.

As you can see, the collaboration between Balzac Brothers and Enderly isn’t just a partnership; it's a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting the communities that make great coffee possible. So, the next time you savor a cup of this exquisite Brazilian coffee, you'll know that you're not just enjoying your morning pick-me-up; you're part of a journey that brings the world's finest beans from a farm in Brazil to your coffee mug, crafted with dedication, precision and a respect for tradition.




Local Gift Ideas- From: Enderly, To: You

We get it- holiday gift giving can be stressful. But don't give up… Give– LOCAL! (See what we did there?) We’ve got some great options to make tackling your gift lists simple AND thoughtful.

THE ONE WITH ALL THE HOLIDAY COFFEE

Our 2023 Charlotte Coffee Box

The Charlotte Coffee Gift Box is back, and it’s a great opportunity to fuel the local economy, while giving gifts that people will (actually) love and (actually) use. This year’s box includes coffees from:

  • Enderly Coffee

  • Pure Intentions Coffee

  • Nightflyer Coffeeworks


This project started as a pandemic camaraderie project within the CLT Coffee roasting world and we are so glad to be in the 4th year of this great gift!

ENDERLY SAMPLE GIFT BOXES

Choose from four different selections, with Enderly’s Sampler Gift Box

Maybe the person you’re thinking of doesn’t quite know what they want to commit to yet – we get it. If you think your gift recipient is more of a “try-before-you-buy” person, try the Coffee Sampler Box.


With 4 different options to choose from, the Coffee Sampler Box is perfect for someone new to Enderly Coffee or the more adventurous type, looking to explore all their options.

  • Light Roast Box

  • Medium Roast Box

  • Dark Roast Box

  • Direct Relationship Box

COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION


Don’t leave your family hanging: Enderly’s Coffee Subscription is the perfect way to make sure that you – or someone you love – keep their beans fresh and mugs full. Coffee coming straight to your door is quite possibly the best holiday gift anyone could ask for. 

  • Roaster’s Choice

  • Your Choice

  • 3 Month Gift Subscriptions

  • 6 Month Gift Subscriptions

  • 12 Month Gift Subscriptions

Gifting Enderly’s subscriptions keeps mugs and hearts full!






Foster the Movement: Foster Care Visitations -Tony’s Experience

 
 

When we Fostered, we weekly did family visitations in the Bob Walton Plaza. We took the aged elevator up to a 3 chair waiting room, to then have our foster child escorted to a 9 x 9 office with a white walls, fluorescent lights, and a few toys on the ground. Though the visitations were extremely important, they lacked one thing… Dignity.

Since 2018 Foster Village Charlotte has been bringing Dignity to visitations. Their Connection Cottage located on Monroe Rd has become a regularly used spot by those affected by foster care.

  • There are children visiting with their family in a homelike environment, playing in the backyard playground, baking cookies or meals in the kitchen, getting sweaty in the sensory play studio…

  • Siblings who have been split into separate homes are brought back together for a sibling meetup with all the fun activities mentioned above.

  • Foster Children have a homelike environment for their birthday party, filled with presents, play, laughter, and cake.

Consider Donating to our Fundraiser Page below, as a part of our November Foster The Movement 2023 campaign supporting Foster Village Charlotte.


Enderly Coffee is now at Walmart!

We’ve been sitting on this one for a while and, honestly, it’s been a hard secret to keep! In fulfillment of our promise to make specialty coffee more accessible – not only in our community but now up and down the East Coast! – we are so excited to announce that Enderly Coffee now has a partnership to sell our beans on the shelves of every Walmart from Florida to Maine!

What does that mean for you, our customer?

Honestly, not much will change other than that you now have one more option when buying from Enderly. We couldn’t be more thrilled!

Why Walmart?

Our philosophy is that getting our coffee into the hands of more customers makes our business more sustainable – from the farmers who grow our coffee to the people who work in our production and retail facilities. Here are some of the things we’ve been able to do since launching this partnership:

  1. Hire more part-time and full-time help at our roasting facility (which creates more jobs in our local community!)

  2. Buy more coffee from our current partners (helping them create a more sustainable income, trust us that our farmers are rejoicing!)

  3. Provide our full-time employees with health insurance support for the first time

  4. Make specialty coffee more accessible to every member of our community

We may be a little biased, but we think everyone deserves to wake up to a fresh cup of Enderly Coffee each morning and this project brings us one step closer to realizing that vision!

Making specialty coffees more available!


How did this partnership get started?

In 2022, we were approached by a company that specializes in creating relationships between small businesses and big-box retailers like Sam’s Club and Walmart. They shared their story with us and asked if we wanted to be a part of a pilot program to put local coffee roasters on the shelves at Walmart. After some logistical questions and a few phone calls, we decided to give it a try!


The original pilot program put the bags from 92 roasters on the shelves at Walmart. This was part of a larger, nationwide rollout to test whether or not local coffee would sell.


After personally delivering our coffee to Walmart stores from Boone, North Carolina to Cheraw, South Carolina for a year, we were one of the top performing coffee companies from this original pilot. When we tell you we put in blood, sweat and tears… we mean it (don’t worry, none of it went into your coffee!)


Our success impressed the company we were partnered with and led to the relationship we have today – 100% fulfillment in all Walmart stores on the East Coast!

What will I be able to find on the shelves?

Enderly will be sending our top 4 performers to stock the shelves at Walmart. When you enter the coffee aisle, you should find us just above eye level (we worked our way up from the bottom shelf!) Here are the details:

  • Roasts: Brazil, State St. Colombian and direct-relationship Guatemala

  • Grind: Whole bean only

  • Availability: In-store, Store Pickup, and delivery are all available directly through Walmart! 

Enderly Coffee is now available at every Walmart on the East Coast


Ultimately, our goal of “People First, Coffee Always” is something we strive toward every day. The thought of so many new smiling faces sipping their first taste of Enderly Coffee – and the even bigger grins of the people we can now more sustainably support –  makes us feel really warm inside (kind of like drinking a warm cup of coffee!)



Thank you for the support you have given us over the last 10+ years to get us to this place. We truly wouldn’t be here without you.



Want to spread the word? Share this article with your friends and family who don’t live in Charlotte: tell them they can have Enderly now, too!




Light, Medium, Dark: What’s in a roast?

Coffee offers a spectrum of flavors, qualities and characteristics that can be manipulated and developed through the roasting process. Whether you prefer your coffee light and vibrant or dark and bold, understanding the differences between light, medium, and dark roasts can help you make a more informed decision the next time you purchase a bag of Enderly coffee beans.

 Different roasts bring out different flavor profiles. At Enderly Coffee, we love experimenting to find the best flavor profiles for our bean

To appreciate the differences in coffee roasts, it's essential to understand the roasting process itself. Just like you'd cook a rare steak differently from a well-done one, coffee beans undergo varying degrees of roasting to achieve distinct flavor profiles. The primary factor that separates these roasts is the duration of the roasting process.

Light roasts can be compared to rare steaks. The beans are roasted for a shorter duration and to a lower temperature, allowing their natural characteristics to shine through. Light roasts usually have higher acidity, complexity, and a vibrant taste.

Medium roasts strike a balance between the flavors of the bean and the roasting process. These roasts have a more balanced acidity, sweetness, complexity, and a well-rounded flavor profile.

Dark roasts are the coffee equivalent of a more well-done steak. Roasted for a longer period and higher temperature, dark roasts have lower acidity, less complexity, and a more pronounced bitterness. They even tend to have more body.

Roasters like Enderly have the power to control the roasting style, similar to a chef controlling the doneness of a steak. When we consider how to roast a new batch of coffee, here are a few things going through our minds:



Understanding the Bean

We do a lot of research to gather a deeper understanding of the coffee bean itself, including its moisture content, density, and size. We seek out similar beans (either from our own roster, or by collaborating with our partners) with known characteristics to guide our roasting process.

Experimentation and Learning

We typically roast and taste, adjust, and repeat until we find the ideal roast level for a particular bean. (Don’t worry, during this experimentation process we try hard to make sure no bean goes to waste!) We also never hesitate to seek recommendations from the coffee producers or distributors if we’re looking for guidance on how best to highlight the flavor profile. Ultimately, the more coffee you roast, the more familiar you become with how a coffee might best show its flavor profiles through the roasting process.

Enderly Coffee uses drum machines to rotate and roast the coffee over a controlled heat source

The Roasting Process

The coffee roasters that we use at Enderly are essentially drum machines that rotate over a heat source. We can control factors like the flame size & airflow to manipulate the roast, bringing you a light, medium or dark roast. Real-time data tracking with specialized software helps us make precise adjustments during the roasting process.



Effect on Flavor

The roasting process significantly impacts the flavor of coffee. For quick reference, this is usually what happens to each roasting style:

  • Light Roast: More acidity, complexity, and brightness.

  • Medium Roast: Balanced acidity, complexity, and more sweetness.

  • Dark Roast: Lower acidity, less complexity, and more body.

Caffeine Content

Contrary to popular belief, the caffeine content in coffee generally remains relatively consistent across roast levels (for those of us brewing our coffee by weight, for example weighing 100g of coffee on a scale per batch). The loss of moisture and mass during roasting results in a reduction in weight in a darker roasted coffee bean, but the caffeine concentration generally remains the same. 

So, if you aren’t measuring your coffee beans by grams, but rather scooping the beans into your coffee maker (say 3 scoops of coffee per batch rather than measuring the grams of coffee), you will have more caffeine with a light roast coffee because you’ll be actually brewing more beans! Because of the higher density of light roasts, 3 scoops of a light roast will weigh more than the same 3 scoops of a lower density dark roast. More coffee = more caffeine.

Oils in Roasts

Oils are released from coffee beans as they are roasted, with darker roasts producing more oils than lighter roasts. These oils can contribute to a familiar bitter taste in darker roasts, such as French or Italian roasts, which people commonly perceive as acidic… where in fact, lighter roasts will generally be more acidic than darker roasts!

In the world of coffee, roasting is an art form that allows roasters like Enderly to craft a wide range of flavors and profiles, from light and acidic to dark and bold. By understanding the nuances of the roasting process and experimenting with different beans and techniques, we unlock the full potential of your coffee in order to help you discover the roast level that best suits your palate.


Try Our Newest Limited Release: Carolina Ramirez Honey

If you’ve been around a while (or maybe you’re just observant?), you might notice that we feature a Limited Release coffee on our website and in our shop.

As part of our partnership with Unblended Coffee, we receive small batches of coffee from places like Colombia, South America –in the heart of the coffee-growing world. Along with a more fresh and complex coffee, each of these batches gives Enderly the opportunity to work directly with farmers to ensure that a fair price is being paid for their crop.

Carolina Ramirez, producer of the Limited Release #28 Coffee at Enderly

This is what is called a direct-trade relationship and, here at Enderly, we’re obsessed. We do it as much as we can! We can also bring you some pretty incredible stories straight from the farms of producers we have working relationships with; living up to our motto: People First, Coffee Always.

So, when we read the story of our producer for Limited Release #28, Carolina Ramirez, we knew we needed to tell you.

First, a bit of context. As the coffee industry has become more and more industrialized, coffee producers are being left behind. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but guess how much that coffee farmer makes off your $6 cup of coffee? Typically, around $0.03. That’s right. 3 cents.

Enter specialty coffee. While its original intention was more about the quality of the coffee, companies all over the world have used specialty coffee as a way to push for higher wages and better working conditions for coffee farmers. And it seems to be working (just not fast enough, if you ask us).

With that being said, many coffee producers today are in their 50s, 60s, even 70s. The farms are having a difficult time attracting young, skilled workers because – honestly – it's a demanding and grueling line of work. The average age of a coffee farmer today is 63. Yikes.

Carolina and her mother. Carolina came back to the family farm during COVID and immediately jumped in to help with the coffee production

That’s why people like Carolina give us so much hope. As a practicing lawyer, Carolina is intelligent, quick-on-her-feet, and motivated. Once living the city life in Medellin, during COVID Carolina decided to come back to her family farm. She quickly began to help her mother with their coffee crop and fell in love with the industry; despite the hardships it so often brings.

Right away, Carolina’s fresh perspective gave her family farm a breath of fresh air.

Carolina’s Coffee Limited #28

In addition to helping her mother run the coffee farm, she also continues to practice law and is an avid ultra trail runner, organizing races all over Colombia. She has taken a leadership role in her partnership with Unblended, helping them source from other young producers and connecting them with a local young-person-in-coffee mentorship program.

Carolina’s coffee comes to us as a honey-processed coffee. This process is somewhat different from the typical wash process because the coffee beans are put on drying racks with some of the pulp from the fruit still on them. This makes for a MUCH more complex flavor profile and, when done right, can increase the quality and complexity of the coffee at a more efficient cost to the producer. A win, win!

Come by the shop to grab your bag of Carolina’s coffee while it lasts (or order it online!) And, as always, it’s because of people like you that we can bring you the incredible stories of people like Carolina. Thank you for always supporting our mission and being a part of our community.

Lemonade Stands, With a Twist!

Foster Village Lemonade Stands are back and better than ever. You can participate in your neighborhood’s lemonade stand throughout the summer by checking the interactive map. Warm-fuzzy feelings DO come in the form of ice cold, heat-wave relief! We are big fans of the work Foster Village does to support families in the foster care system, and LOVE to see our community (YOU!) share in that appreciation. 

NEW THIS YEAR: LOCAL BUSINESSES & LEMONS

This year’s Lemonade Stands are getting a little twist, with participating businesses creating lemon-inspired products in a perfect collab to further support the Village! From Wild Roots’ Blueberry-Lemon Sproda, to Rhino Market’s delicious lemon bars, you don’t have to go far to find a local business making your treats a little sweeter! Check out the Give Back Guidebook to see which of your favorite spots are participating, and enjoy the best summer flavors on a whole new level of goodness.

ACTION

We want to invite you THIS Saturday July 15 to visit our Lemonade Stand, benefitting Foster Village CLT of course!  We will be setup at the Uptown Farmer’s Market from 9am-11am <300 S. Davidson St. Charlotte, NC 28202>.  We hope to see you soon!  





Networking Over Coffee: The CreativeMornings Way

Have you ever heard of CreativeMornings/Charlotte (CM/CLT) before? If you’re a “creative thinker, maker or doer” living in Charlotte, chances are you have. 

Hosted by Charlotte is Creative, CreativeMornings/Charlotte is a once-a-month event that showcases the best of the best in the Queen City. Part networking event, part creative showcase, part keynote address; this event is unlike anything else you’ll find here. 

Host Matt Olin leading the Dance at Creative Mornings CLT!

Every first Friday of the month, bright and early (8:15am to be exact!), creatives gather together at an exciting local venue to learn, chat, and have a whole lot of fun. And what’s one thing that creatives need to function so early on a Friday morning? Fresh coffee.

That’s where Enderly comes in. As a partner and sponsor of CreativeMornings/Charlotte, Enderly Coffee is the official caffeinator of these monthly events. It’s a job we don’t take lightly… because a lot can happen over a good cup of coffee.

Enderly Coffee is an official sponsor of CreativeMornings/Charlotte

Recently, we asked some CreativeMornings participants why they enjoy attending CM/CLT and what the creative community means to them. There was a lot of consensus, but here’s just a little bit of what they had to say.

First, we asked folks who had introduced them to CreativeMornings. The overwhelming majority of people we spoke with said a friend, colleague, or loved one recommended they attend. At Enderly we know the power of word-of-mouth, but this proves that – when it comes to community-building – there’s nothing like getting a recommendation from someone you trust.

You can see the power of this community-building aspect at every CreativeMornings event. Regardless of the location, the speaker, or the fact that it’s 8:15am on a Friday! – magic is made. And I’d bet not a single person who attends CM/CLT would argue with that.

Most of the folks we chatted with mentioned that – more than any other event they attend – their careers and lives have been significantly impacted by being part of the CM/CLT community.

Creatives fueling up with Enderly Coffee at CreativeMornings/Charlotte

From job opportunities, to small business networking, to finally making that “I know someone who knows someone” connection; that’s the power of CreativeMornings. And it’s why Enderly is so honored to be the one who fuels those conversations.

After all, there’s nothing quite like striking up a conversation as you’re filling your cup with all of the accouterments you desire to accompany your fresh cup of Joe.

So, if you live in Charlotte, will we see you at the next CreativeMornings?

July 14th, 2023, 8:15 AM EDT • Ballantyne Village

Purchasing Enderly Coffee has never been easier, but where will your purchase make the most impact?

As Enderly Coffee expands and begins to sell our bags in more and more locations, I keep hearing the same question: “Where should I buy my bag of beans so that I’m making the most impact?”

First, thank you for asking this question. It means we’re doing it right. It means one of our goals – to create a sustainable, transparent, and delicious coffee experience for you – is being seen, heard and appreciated.

Second, the answer might not be as complicated as you think.

Making Coffee Accessible

Our goal at Enderly Coffee has always been to make buying fresh, sustainable coffee more accessible for you. That’s why we sell our beans in so many different locations, both local stores and big-box retailers.

We want it to be accessible for you to make an impact with your purchase, hence making the beans accessible all around.r

So, my initial answer to your question is another question. “Where is the closest and most convenient place for you to buy Enderly Coffee?”

Filling bags so you can find Enderly Coffee bags at many different retailers, restaurants, and shops all over Charlotte!

Whether it’s Rhino Market, the Uptown Farmers Market, Harris Teeter, or online – we honestly don’t care where you get our beans. The easiest way for you to purchase from us is the way we want you to purchase.

Why, you might ask? Consistency. The more easily accessible our coffee is to you, the more consistently we can rely on your business. In turn, that means our farmers, suppliers, and employees have a more reliable income. It’s a cycle that we’ve been working hard to make sustainable since we first started back in 2012. And we’re so grateful for it.

You might ask, “Isn’t it better to buy your coffee at a local shop over a store like WalMart?”

By all means, if you want to support one of our amazing local partners, please do! We’d never want to stop you. But it won’t hurt our feelings if you grab a bag at WalMart because you just happen to be there that day.

Making coffee more accessible also has a number of other benefits. One of which is that, by having our beans in as many different locations as we can, we’re reaching as many different community members as possible. We want everyone in Charlotte to enjoy a fresh cup of Enderly!







Where can I find your beans?

You can find Enderly Coffee beans all over town! Here are some of our partner locations:

Coffee Shops

Roots Café (South End)

Press & Porter (Concord, NC)

VisArt Café (Eastside)

Archive CLT (Westside)

Wildroots Coffee (Dilworth)

Paper Plane Market & Deli (Plaza Midwood)

Virtuoso Breadworks (Waxhaw, NC)

Two Scoops Rock Hill (Rock Hill, SC)

Enderly Coffee Shop (of course!)


Enderly Coffee Bags found at Reid’s Fine Foods and many other places around town.

Local Retail Shops

Mecklenburg County Market

Rhino Market

Common Market

Tip Top Market

Reids Fine Foods (Selwyn & South Park)

Exchange @ 36th

Enderly Coffee bags on the shelves at Harris Teeter!

“Big Box” Stores

Harris Teeter

WalMart

The Fresh Market


Other Locations

Uptown Farmers Market

Enderly Online Shop

Friday Local Delivery

Freshlist Online Store






LOCAL SUPPORTING LOCAL: PARTNERS (PART 2)

Go Local, Part 2

Probably the one coffee rule that we can all agree on is the flexibility of how we experience it. It’s not limited to a morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even solely to being a “food and beverage” concept. Coffee is social! We love to drink coffee as we engage with others. Which leads me to part two of highlighting the *Cool Factor* of our local partners. If you don’t know, Charlotte is home to some really unique business concepts.

 Archive CLT is a creatively curated community hub, designed by Cheryse Terry to celebrate Black memories and stories. Cheryse’s vision to share a space of nostalgia and empowerment with her community, is just one of the many local stories that are about lifting up others and participating alongside each other. 

And while “getting involved” in your community can look like many things, few places do so as intentionally as Charlotte’s CRTV Lab. Local nonprofit, Do Greater recently developed a permanent home for the Lab in west Charlotte. Described as “a creative collision,” the Lab intersperses creative professionals with a community center for kids. The concept behind CRTV Lab is to expose kids to technology (specifically creative and design prospective), and to leaders that exist in their own neighborhoods.

These local initiatives motivate connection, and desire to be a part of something bigger than just an individual doing daily life repetitively. So don’t just sit there– wondering how to find what you’re looking for in Charlotte; get out and be a part of it! You’ll definitely find some amazing humans along the way, and maybe even your new favorite coffee stop.


Join Us - Host a Fundraising Lemonade Stand with Your Kids, Family, Friends, Neighbors...

It’s that time of year again, and we are so excited to be a sponsor of the annual Lemonade Drive fundraiser @fostervillagecharlotte . Families all around the county purchase a kit, sell lemonade some time in July, and donate the proceeds to Foster Village Charlotte. It is simple and soooo much fun!

Video from Foster Village on their Lemonade Stand Fundraiser 2023

1) If you are an individual/family, here is the link to register and purchase your kit! It is such a family friendly and meaningful activity.

2) If you are a business and want to join us in creating a lemon inspired product that you sell in the month of July to benefit @fostervillagecharlotte, just shoot an email to becky@fostervillagecharlotte.org to share your interest.

#GrowingTheVillageIsSweet and you can be a part of it, making an impact on our local foster care system and those affected by foster care.

Sidenote to everyone and anyone who has ever purchased the @fostervillagecharlotte Blend… some of those proceeds are one of the ways we can generously show our support with the lemonade stand every year! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Local Supporting Local: Partners (Part 1)

Hey! I’m Kerri (an Enderly newbie), and Tony  invited me to share my thoughts on how we partner with some of Charlotte’s locally owned businesses to engage in the city’s vastly UNDERrated personality (yeah, I said it!).




Recently, Tony invited me along on a delivery route, bringing wholesale coffee orders to many of the local shops, restaurants, and other businesses we partner with. I’ve lived in Charlotte for —(calculating slowly in my head)— 18 years?? Yet, as we drove through neighborhood after neighborhood, I found myself saying “I’ve never been here” quite often. Riding along with Tony was pretty fun—not just for the tight turns that he takes in the van (named Luigi), but for the insight he shared on the various neighborhoods and businesses we experienced along the way.

Experiencing Tony’s intentional participation in his Charlotte community made me itch for a little bit of that for myself. We talked a little about the “why” as we headed home, when he mentioned how “getting out and connecting” was really good for him. The mutual investments that local business owners make when they partner up, is about the flavors of those individuals (and their families, friends, employees, etc) mingling to make Charlotte something truly unique. 


The Enderly local community is vast and growing! We love that every one of them brings their own flavor to local culture, and absolutely believe that Charlotte is improved with each one. We love getting to be a part of restaurants like The Goodwurst, and Restaurant Constance, who bring inspired stories and atmosphere to Charlotte’s food scene. And we consider it a privilege to celebrate the success and growth of local coffee and market shops like Wildroots Coffee, and The Morning Glory coffee drive-up, as they work on plans for brick and mortar shops. We delight in the expansion of the familiar favorite Rhino Market & Deli, who are moving into a new South Park location soon. If you haven’t experienced these local gems-take it from this homebody— the people, the energy and atmosphere, the quality of service and products are worth the participation!

Want Something Cold? Try Snapchill™ Iced Black Coffee in a Can!

Last year, Enderly released our first collaboration with SnapchillTM Coffee & Unblended Coffee, two organizations dedicated to pushing the limits in order to bring transparency, equity and quality to the coffee industry.

It was such a success, we decided to do it again. This year, we are highlighting a new coffee producer and we couldn’t be more thrilled for our Snapchill™ Can release in early April!

About the Coffee Producer

Sebastian Ramirez is a mentor for a program that partners with Unblended Coffee in Colombia called UVI. This program helps young producers enter the coffee industry with the experience necessary to scale their farms and produce consistently high quality coffee.

Sebastian Ramirez, Colombian coffee producer with Unblended Coffee

Sebastian’s farm, Finca El Placer, is located in the hills of Montenegro, Quindío, Colombia; about 200 miles west of Bogatá. He has a special skill set in scaling experimental processes like Carbonic Maceration (fermentation of the coffee beans in steel drums) and is considered a “heavy-weight” in the Specialty Coffee space.

Once Sebastian’s coffee is harvested, it is sent to us for roasting. From there, we send it up to our friends at SnapchillTM Coffee to make some brewing magic!

About the Snapchill Brewing Process

We are so excited to be working with Snapchill™ to brew the coffee we’re roasting from Sebastian – the perfect brewing process for an experimental producer. If you haven’t heard of Snapchill™ before, get ready to have your mind blown!

This process is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Brewed hot and then “snap” chilled at 38 degrees, snapchilling prevents oxidation and that flat taste you may experience with other cold-brew methods.

Snapchill cans are an innovative way to brew coffee that maintains the complex flavor profiles we all know and love!

Interestingly enough, there hasn’t been much innovation in the coffee brewing process in over 100 years! So, when Snapchill™ came onto the scene it did so with a very simple question in mind: “Why does cold-brew coffee taste so bland, and how do we fix it?”


The Snapchill™ Process includes exact chemistry, complicated math equations and a big dose of experimentation – a truly innovative approach to the science of brewing coffee!

The result is an aromatic, complex and robust cup of coffee, chilled and straight from a can. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with these two incredible, innovative organizations – from bean to cup.

Don’t wait to grab your Snapchill™ cans. These cans are only a limited release and will most likely be gone by end of summer! Grab yours in our cafe, at the Uptown Farmers Market, or through our Friday Home Delivery service. 

Try Our Newest Limited Release: Colombia Santiago Chiroso

What’s better than drinking a delicious cup of coffee each morning to start your day? Knowing that, in doing so, you are making a difference.

You may have noticed that we feature a Limited Release coffee on our website (and in our shop). Each of these small batches gives Enderly the opportunity to work directly with farmers to ensure that a fair price is being paid for each pound of coffee we roast. These direct-trade relationships are the backbone of a sustainable industry, yet are still not practiced as the primary way of sourcing coffee.

Santiago Caro, producer of the Limited Release #24 Coffee at Enderly.

We want to change that by sharing the story of the people who work hard everyday to make sure you’re drinking the best cup of coffee possible. Meet Santiago Caro, the farmer (or, as we call them in the industry, producer) who grew your coffee. Santiago and his family are from Urrao, Antioquia, Colombia; a modest municipality to the northwest of Medellin.

When he was just 23, Santiago reached out to Unblended Coffee (our partner in bringing this coffee to your cup). His ambition – not only to build a better life for him and his family, but to support his neighbors in doing the same – was the beginning of what has turned out to be a beautiful partnership.

Recently winning recognition with the specific blend of coffee we’re roasting at Enderly, Santiago is well on his way to becoming widely appreciated in the Specialty Coffee community. What was once a dream for Santiago and his family is quickly becoming reality: relying on coffee to provide a stable source of income.

Santiago’s coffee is fermented in stainless steel open tanks – then washed and selected by hand – for a bold, consistent flavor.

This specialty coffee is fermented for 5 days in stainless steel open tanks, then washed and painstakingly selected by hand. The stainless steel tanks have allowed Santiago and his father to develop one of the most consistent coffees we’ve ever tasted. With notes of Mandarin Orange, Apricot, Mint, and Milk Chocolate (among many others), a symphony of rich flavor will wash over your mouth each morning as you enjoy this delicious coffee.

Learn more about Santiago on Unblended Coffee’s website then go buy a bag of beans on ours (or stop in the café or do a Friday Home Delivery)!