Albertsons Supermarket selling Island Joes Gourmet Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
After about one year of talking about it, Albertsons Supermarket in Key West, Florida begin offer gourmet coffee blends from Island Joe's Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company. By popular demand from the locals in Key West, Albertsons now carries limited line of gourmet coffee blends from Island Joe's Coffee. It seems Albertsons has had several phone calls and emails to their corporate offices asking for them to offer Island Joes Coffee from sale. As the coffee roasting shop is located in old town Key West, Florida - right in the middle of the tourist area and the locals do not like going to old town Key West, as they have to fight traffic and parking is very diffcult, so Albertsons is helping the community by selling coffee from Island Joe's Coffee.
Island Joe's Coffee Roasters are one of the highest rated coffee roasters in the state of Florida with several blends rated in the top 5% in the world (see coffeereview.com).

With such exciting names as
Smuggler's Brew - Rated 88 out of 100
Beemer's Breakfast Blend - Rate 91 out of 100
Black Flag Espresso - Rated 90 of out 100
90 Mile Stretch Espresso - Rated 90 out of 100
The local are enjoying fresh roasted gourmet coffee. Plus keeping in mind Island Joe's Coffee is an international shipper with customers in far away lands as China and England, plus all across the United States.

Island Joe's Coffee was founded and roasting begin at a gas station in Marathon, Florida by a dad (Islandjoes), two sons (Trey and Beemer) and a daughter (AJ). They begin roasting at home, then as the locals begin sampling their gourmet blends they wanted some for their home, then the tourist caught on and the birth of http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com was born, as the motto for this family owned and operated company is "Born out of Necessity and Crafted with Passion - The Proof is in the Cup".

This small coffee roasting company prides itself on customer service - Read some of the coffee reviews and customers comments

Island Joe's Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company
425 Southard Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-1190
http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com
info@islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com

Coffee Roasters honored for helping America Troops in Afghanistan

To contact us Click HERE
"Well accept this award with great honor in a humble matter, plus we also accept this award on behalf of the customers at Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company, who have helped us send a cup of sunshine to the men and women who keep America a safe place to sleep at night," stated Joe D. Wells, founder of Island Joes Coffee located in old town Key West Florida.

Here is a copy of the letter which was sent with the flag, which flew in a battle mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan, along with the award certificate.

Dear Joe

I would like to thank you on behalf of all the A Co 1-285th ARB soldier for everything you have don for us. I thought that flying an American flag in one of our Apache Longbow Attach Helicopters, during a combat mission, in honor of you & Island Joe's Coffee Company is the least we do to show our sppreciation.

It has become a traditionhere in Kandahar, Afghainstan for soldiers to fly flags for their family and loved ones. I thought it would mean something to you, especially knowing where it has been.

When the pilots got back from the mission that night, the stated they thought they were in World War III. Acutally one of our aircraft sustained damage to the front windshield from RPG shrapnel. The same aircraft had returned with the Forward Avionices Bay (FAB) door blown open from the same RPG explosion. Both aircraft that were on the mission had been fired upon by a DShK (Russian anti-aircraft weapon which fires a 12.7 mn / 600 rounds a minute) and small arms (AK-47s). That night they also had 7 known Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) fired at them. Not on RPG hit either helicopter!

Well, that's the only damaged we substained! Those 2 aircraft severely "gave it" to the Taliban that night. The DShK (mentioned above) is on longer in existence, to say the least! Both aircraft rearmed twice. This means they took off three time fully armed.

Our combat load (per arming), per helicopter, that night consisited of the following armament ...

* 400 (approximately) rounds of 30 mm high explosive (HE) rounds for the 30mm chain-gun

* 38 rockets / assorted 2.75in

* 4 Hellfire missiles (assorted models)

This should give you an indication on the action your flag saw that night!

The following morning my troops had the windshield replaced within 2 hours. Bot aircraft were serviced, rearmed & back on the flight schedule the very next day (within hours).

We really appreciate everthing you have done for us. I read your e-mail repsonse to my soldiers and they were all amazed. We really appreciated your patriotism and geniune concern. I know you heard TV commercials & people say "Freedom isn't free!" I assure you, it isn't. All of us here are paying for it. Not to mention those serving in Iraq and other parts of the world.

It is Americans like you working in honorable American Companies and Corporations who provide little things, even kinds words that really make a big difference to us here. Knowing that there are people like you & Companies like Island Joes Coffee Company out there, make this feel worth it. I was speaking with a British soldier the other day. I told hime about our correspondence & he was awestruck! He said that no British company would suppor them like you did with us.

Thank you for everthing. I have to run for now. I'll keep in touch. I hope you enjoy the flag and certificate.

Sincerely

SFC Michael J DiNicola

Walgreens and Gourmet Coffee in Key West Florida

To contact us Click HERE
Press Release 7/07

Walgreens now offers World Class Gourmet Coffee at Affordable Prices
Tired of paying $3 to $5 for a cup of fresh roasted gourmet coffee, then visit the Walgreens on Duval Street in old Town Key West where you can purchase very affordable gourmet coffee by the cup or by the bag.
Walgreens is noted for bring savings to their customers and now the Walgreens on Duval Street in old town Key West Florida has teamed up with the local gourmet coffee roasters from Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company, also located in old town Key West, Florida to offer their customer real gourmet coffee at affordable prices.
Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company was founded by a dad, two sons and a daughter about 5 years ago at their gas station in Marathon, Florida. The Wells family wanted a cup of fresh roasted gourmet coffee “everyday”, hence the birth of Island Joes Coffee. From their humble beginnings, Island Joes Coffee has grown into an international coffee shipper with customers in far away lands a China, England, Puerto Rico, Canada and all across the United States. This small family owned coffee roasting company has had several of their gourmet coffee blends reviewed and rated by the world’s leading coffee experts (coffeereview.com) with several blends rating in the top 5% in world, plus they are one of the highest rated coffee roasters in the state of Florida.
“We got to talking to one of the managers at Walgreens on Duval Street,” stated Joe Wells, co-founder and coffee roaster at Island Joes, “We told him not only was our coffee being sold at supermarkets such as Albertsons and local gourmet supermarkets like the world famous Waterfront Market, but also at some of the finest restaurants in Key West i.e. Café Marquesa, Martin’s Café, 915 on Duval and the Hot Tin Roof at the Ocean Key Resort and Spa, plus soon the Hyatt Timeshares in Key West. Then we explain world class gourmet coffee did not have to cost $4 or $5 a cup, since we are hands on owners roasting our own coffee, which helps keep our overhead down, thus his Walgreens stores could offer real gourmet coffee by the cup and by the bag to take home at very affordable prices keeping inline with the Walgreen’s tradition of offering their customers great savings.”
So when you are visiting Key West and decide you wish to save money on suntan lotion and other vacation items, including souvenirs you will more than likely stop by the Walgreens, which is located in the center of all the activities on Duval Street. Well now you can save money on your morning cup of coffee roasted by the world class gourmet coffee roasters from Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company.
Wells said, “It is a perfect fit for both parties, as when we started offering our gourmet coffee blends to the world, one of our main goal was to keep our gourmet coffee affordable, which Walgreens is helping us accomplish, which makes us very excited.”

Walgreens
527 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040305-292-2979


This team effort between Walgreens and Island Joes Coffee is a win win for everyone. As Island Joes is not open 24 hours a day and we get alot of requests from the locals who work the night shifts for gourmet coffee, plus when tourist visit our island, they like to visit Walgreens on Duval Street in old town Key West, Florida, because it is not a tourist trap and our visitors can save money on lots of items including sun lotions, beachware and so forth. And now, everyone can enjoy a cup of Island Joes fresh roasted gourmet coffee 24/7 and at affordable prices.

Why go to the big chain coffee shops that are on every corner in the world and pay to much for a cup of coffee, which you do not know when and where your coffee was roasted. Well Island Joes Coffee is roasted just around the corner. It does not get any fresh and our pricing, well it is just right. Buy by the cup or take home a bag of Island Joes fresh roasted gourmet coffee.


Store Hours
Open 24 Hours
Pharmacy Hours
M – F:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sun:
CLOSED
Store Number7089

Digital photo pickup
Online ordering
Key West Shopping
Duval Street

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/walgreens_duval_street.asp

Hyatt Times shares now offering Island Joes Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
Press Release 8/07
Hyatt Hotels in Key West Go Gourmet Coffee
Several Hyatt Timeshares in Key West Florida have moved from serving Starbucks to serving Island Joes Gourmet Coffee. The Hyatt Sunset Harbor and Hyatt Beach House Resort have choosen to begin serving gourmet coffee roasted by one of the highest rated coffee roasters in the state of Florida who also has several gourmet coffee blends rating in the top 5% in the world (coffeereview.com).
“We are very excited to be able to roast gourmet coffee for the guests at the Hyatts,” said Joe Wells, co-founder and coffee roasters at Island Joes. “Word of mouth is the best adveritising. I mean one customer tells another and then the word spreads as it did to the Hyatts. So we begin talking about serving our coffee to their guests and developing a coffee program for the Hyatts. One which would fit their system, so it took a few months, but we worked it out. And working with the folks at the Hyatts has been very rewarding, as they truly care what they serve to their guests.”
In review, Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company was started in a gas station in Marathon, Florida by a father, two sons and daughter. Wells stated, “We wanted a cup of fresh roasted coffee “everyday”, hence we begin roasting and soon the word spread. Currently we have customers all over the world i.e. China, England, Puerto Rico, Canada and of course all across the U.S. I really like it when we get orders from Seattle. Then we are in some of the finest restaurants and resorts in the Keys i.e. Café Marquesa, Martin’s Café, 915, Hot Tin Roof at the Ocean Key Resort and Spa and so forth”







http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/hyatt_key_west_resorts.asp

Island Joe's Coffee recevies first from PO from Winn Dixie

To contact us Click HERE

Island Joe’s Coffee receives from PO from Winn Dixie

“It takes years of dedicated work to build a brand, then when you are noticed, the hard work really begins.” stated Trey Wells, co-founder and coffee roasters at Island Joe’s Coffee, located in old town Key West, Florida

First there are a few phone calls, then a few emails, which take place over a year or so, then samples are requested for review, then it seems everything stops for months and months, the waiting begins and ends many times over, as the anticipation is sometimes overwhelming, but in today’s retail market, this is just part of the normal process, but with a the proper product and perhaps a little luck, the knock will come to your door.

This was part of the process to gain the attention of the buyers at Winn Dixie Supermarkets. Winn Dixie can trace its routes to 1913 and Burly, Idaho, who has since moved its offices to Jacksonville, Florida and operates around 500 stores with around 50,000 employees.

“We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to have a direct relationship with a major retailer, as Winn Dixie,” stated Wells, “My brother, Brandon and I, have been roasting our gourmet coffee and espresso for going on six years. And it seems our hard work, plus the intense passion we have for our coffee and never wavering from producing some of the finest blends in the world is becoming more established everyday in the coffee industry, as we do not, nor will we cut corners, no matter what kind of money is involved.”

Producing some the finest coffee blends in the world, is just what the coffee roasters at Island Joe’s do, as is proven by the high ratings they have received from some of the world’s leading coffee experts I.e. Kenneth Davids at coffee review.com has awardedd the Wells brothers ratings, which has not only pushed Island Joe’s to the top rated coffee roasting company in Florida, but also with blends rating the top 5% in the world.

Some examples, which will be offered at Winn Dixie are Island Joe’s 90 Mile Stretch Espresso, which rated 90 out of 100 and Island Joe’s Breakfast Blend, which rated 91 out of 100.

IJS Coffee can be also found at limited Publix, Whole Foods Markets, Albertsons, Walgreen’s and Navy Exchanges throughout the U.S., then Tree of Life handles some of IJS’s distribution, plus Sysco Foods handles distribution to resorts and restaurants.

Not only can Island Joe’s Coffee be found at major retailers, small coffee shops, plus properties such as Hyatt and Crowne Plaza around the U.S., but their online customer base spans the globe with customers in Canada, China, Chile, England, Puerto Rico and all across the U.S. including customer base in Seattle, who have shown a passion for Island Joes’ 90 Mile Stretch Espresso, which will be offered at Winn Dixie and offered whole bean.

When ask what was next, Wells responded with, “We like to take it one cup at a time, meaning we are working on our orders for Winn Dixie, so we are focused on taking care of this new customer, which we should be in stores in the next few weeks, plus we are focused on continuing to offer quality service and products to our current customers. As one could look at our customer service, just like our coffee blends - we are consistent with every cup and customer.”

More

Transformation continues at Greensboro's Sears and Whole Foods Market

To contact us Click HERE

Sears at Friendly Center with new embellishments and a new logo masking the old facade on the Pembroke Avenue side.
Whole Foods' front on the Kathleen Avenue side continues to take shape.

Previously, we showed you pictures of how Greensboro's Sears department store is downsizing their foot print at their building (which they own) and leasing half of the bottom lower level to Whole Foods Market at Friendly Center. The building, which retained a lot of its brutalist 1970s elements for a long time, is still in the process of undergoing a drastic transformation. Whole Foods Market is still scheduled to open sometime in Spring 2012, along with the new Charlotte store as well.

The Sears portion of Friendly Center has been recast as 'Sears Plaza,' sporting the new logo. It should also be noted this Sears store is perhaps one of the first in the country, if not the first, to have the new logo. The entire process of this transformation is quite unique, as you don't see a 1970s department store downsize everyday to accommodate an upmarket grocer. Whole Foods is reaping the benefits of a prime location and Sears' woes.

September:
Up Close

October: Mysterious brick columns start to take shape in front of Sears, and a new second entrance has been carved out as well. We also get a glimpse inside Whole Foods' gutted interior.



November: Work continues to transform Sears in time for the shopping season:
December: The new Sears logo is displayed and awnings continue to go up around Whole Foods.
The Sears Auto Center still displays their old logo.

Trader Joe's finally coming to the Triad?

To contact us Click HERE
When Greensboro's newspaper, The News & Record, polled readers as to which store they would most like to see come to the Triad area - one retailer had an overwhelming majority, Trader Joe's. Since 2007 the specialty grocer has been on a slow but steady expansion throughout the Carolinas, with stores currently in Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville (SC), and Charleston (Mount Pleasant). It has long been rumored that Trader Joe's is looking for a location in the Greensboro or Winston-Salem area, although those only amounted to what they were... rumors (including an unfounded but widely circulated rumor about the store taking space at the Target shopping center on Lawndale).
Now, the newspaper is reporting that Trader Joe's is interested in a site near Friendly Center. The Greensboro site is adjacent to The Shops at Friendly Center, which houses Harris Teeter, and right next to that is the Whole Foods Market that is set to open soon. Trader Joe's site would encompass the northwest corner of Friendly Avenue and Hobbs Road, which is currently six residential lots. Previously, The Triad Business Journal reported that Trader Joe's may have been interested in redeveloping the old City Motors site off of Westover Terrace. Despite an abundance of vacant space across town, the developers' hearts look to be set on Friendly.

March 2012 Update: Trader Joe's has signed a lease for a store in Winston-Salem at Thruway Center in part of the former Borders bookstore space, that location will open later this year. Plans for the Greensboro location are still at a standstill.

Trader Joe's set for Wilmington

To contact us Click HERE
On the heels of the Trader Joe's hoopla in Greensboro, another North Carolina city, Wilmington, is going to see the specialty grocer. Trader Joe's plans call for a store on an empty lot at Oleander and College, one of the city's busiest intersections, and a location that is not too far from the soon-to-come Whole Foods Market. The demand for both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods has been increasing, as both are very popular and have loyal patrons. The new Trader Joe's is set to encompass 13,000 square feet.

Photographed: Trader Joe's in Chapel Hill

Li Ming's Global Mart opening in Greensboro

To contact us Click HERE
Above: Li Ming's in Durham in the former Circuit City

Li Ming's Global Mart, which already has two locations in the Triangle (one in Durham [photos] and a sister store in Raleigh, respectively), will soon breathe some life into the High Point Road corridor in Greensboro. Scheduled to open in the Fall of 2012, the Asian grocery store will encompass nearly 52,000 square feet in the Greensboro South Shopping Center, next to T.J. Maxx. High Point Road, an ever-evolving corridor has seen a shift to ethnic-oriented businesses in recent years.
Above: the former Lowes Foods on High Point Road

The location that Li Ming's is moving into has gone through many incarnations. The store originally opened in 1969 as a branch of discount store Zayre, later was an Ames (another discount store) briefly. As a grocery store it has been a Buy For Less and a Lowes Foods. It has been empty for a number of years since Lowes Foods vacated, so this is certainly a welcome announcement for that shopping center. The Li Ming's in Durham opened last year in a former Circuit City space across from South Square Shopping Center.

Greensboro's Whole Foods sets opening date; Winston-Salem to get Trader Joe's

To contact us Click HERE
Greensboro's long-awaited Whole Foods Market is set to open soon. Finishing touches are being put on the store, which is in part of the Sears building at Friendly Center. The 34,000 square foot store takes up half of the lower-level footprint of Sears' department store. The store will open on April 12th.

Above: Trader Joe's Winston-Salem store rendering

Above: Trader Joe's Greensboro store rendering

On the other end of the Triad, Winston-Salem is gearing up for a Trader Joe's. The store will locate in approximately 13,000 square feet of the former Borders Bookstore at Thruway Center, and is scheduled to open sometime later this year. This will be Trader Joe's first store in the Triad, and perhaps the most sought-after specialty grocery store in the region too. The news of Trader Joe's comes amid opposition regarding a rezoning at a potential Greensboro location.

Trader Joe's Winston-Salem rendering via Triad Business Journal/Thomas H. Hughes architecture
Trader Joe's Greensboro rendering via Greensboro News & Record/Regency Centers

Navy Exchange Goes Gourmet Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
Island Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company, located in sunny old town Key West, Florida is noted for doing its share supporting the Armed Forces. Joe Wells, co-founder and coffee roaster, said, “ We have noted on more than one occasion, we are not here to discuss political views, yours or ours, about the war we are fighting, but we just wish to show some support to the men and women putting their lives on the line to help keep America a safe place to sleeep at night.”
Wells went on the say, “We started sending fresh roasted gourmet coffee to our troops from a few email we received without anyone knowing about, we where doing it for ourselves, then we started getting more request than we could handle, as we are a small company, so we added a link on our website at www.islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com where our customers could donate as little as $5, then we pool the money and send our troops gourmet coffee. On of our biggest honors, which we accept on behalf of not only the staff at Island Joes, but also on behalf of our customers who have been helping out, are the battle flags we have received. We get goose bumps , as this is an honor.”
Well, word gets around and now the Navy Exchange has begun offering fresh roasted gourmet coffee to our stateside troops. “Our thought pattern is why not offer affordable gourmet coffee to our troops at home, they love and working with the Navy Exchange, which is another honor, allows us to offer some of our world class gourmet coffee blends, again, at affordable pricing, “ stated Wells.
In review, Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company is one of the highest rated coffee roasters in the state of Florida with several gourmet coffee blends rating in the top 5% in the world (coffeereview.com). From its humble beginning at a gas station in Marathon, Florida, this father, two sons and daughter team have become an international shipper of gourmet coffee with customers in China, England, Puerto Rico, Cananda, “Seattle” and all across America, plus in limited stores i.e. Walgreens and Albertson, plus some of the finest restaurants in South Florida i.e.Hot Tin Roof (Ocean Key Resort and Spa), Café Marquesa, 915 on Duval, Martins’ Café etc.
In closing, Wells said, “We roast our coffee with passion and the proof is in the Cup. Out newest customer is the Navy Exchange and we intend on roasting some of the finest coffee in the world for our troops, again, at affordable prices.”

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/navy_exchange_key_west.asp

No More Bitter Coffee - Try Island Joes Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
No Bitter Coffee - Coffee Reviews

We received this information from one of our good customers, who has become a home roaster and does very well at home roasting as we have cupped some of his roast profiles and we had better watch out for our jobs. Thx to CDR BIll

We have had many conversations with fellow coffee roasters and those who just enjoy a dark roasted cup of coffee or a smooth espresso without the bitter aftertaste. We have told many it is our roast profile, as we know when to drop the beans from the roaster, how much time to leave them in the open air, when to heat seal them and how long it takes for the beans to naturally develop into a smooth French Roast without a bitter taste. Luck - Art - Science? Perhaps a little of all, but it works for our Espresso Blends and our Deep Blue French Roast.


Jeanna Bryner
LiveScience Staff Writer
LiveScience.com Tue Aug 21, 2:00 PM ET
Chemists have figured out why dark-roasted coffees are so bitter, a finding that could lead to a smoother cup of java.
Using chemical analyses and follow-up taste tests by humans trained to detect coffee bitterness, the scientists discovered the compounds that make coffee bitter and also how they form.
"Everybody thinks that caffeine is the main bitter compound in coffee, but that's definitely not the case," said study leader Thomas Hofmann, a professor of food chemistry and molecular sensory science at the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
Just 15 percent of coffee's bitter taste comes from caffeine, said Hofmann, who presented his findings today at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston.
Hofmann and his colleagues found two classes of compounds give coffee the bulk of its bitterness. Both pungent perpetrators are antioxidants found in roasted coffee beans, not in the green (raw) beans.
One class, called chlorogenic acid lactones, is present at high levels in light- to medium-roast brews. Dark roasts, such as espresso, showed high levels of phenylindanes, which form when the chlorogenic acid lactones break down and give a more lingering, harsh taste than their precursors, Hofmann said.
"Roasting is the key factor driving bitter taste in coffee beans. So the stronger you roast the coffee, the more harsh it tends to get," Hofmann said. He added that prolonged roasting leads to the formation of the most intense bitter compounds found in dark roasts.
How the beans are brewed also affects bitterness, the scientists found. The high pressures and temperatures used for brewing espresso-type coffees produce the highest levels of bitter compounds.
"Now that we've clarified how the bitter compounds are formed, we're trying to find ways to reduce them," Hofmann said.

View this Article online


http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070821/sc_livescience/chemistsfindwhatmakescoffeebitter?a


http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/no_bitter_coffee.asp

Whole Foods Market and Island Joes Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
Press Release – 9/07
“When Whole Foods Market brings a new product into their stores for their customer, believe me, they do their homework, as we where told in the beginning, when we where first approached by Whole Foods Market, they where very particular and not in a judgmental manner, but they just wished to continue providing top of the line natural foods to which their customer have come to expect from Whole Foods Market,” stated Joe Wells, co-founder and coffee roaster from Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company located in old town Key West, Florida. Wells continued with, “It puts you on your toes, which can be stressful, but the end result is very rewarding, and says a lot about both companies. And judging from what we see Whole Foods Market providing to their customers, we are very excited to have the opportunity to roast for the customers of Whole Foods. And never forget Island Joes Coffee Roasters are coffee roasters with passion.”
Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company was founded at a gas station in the Florida Keys, Wells and his children (Trey, Brandon and AJ) where tired of dad complaining about being able to get a cup of fresh roasted gourmet coffee “everyday”. Trey, the oldest of the three said “Not that my dad complaints a lot (?), but gee whiz, I just said to him one day, hey, least roast up some beans and see what happens. He agreed and the rest is not history, because we are still growing and learning everyday.”
The Wells family first started roasting at home, then slowly begin offering some of their coffee roast profiles to some of their regular customers at their gas station, then nature took over with their customers asking for small samples to take home, then came “Hey could I get a pound of that and by the way, one of my family members was down visiting the Florida Keys last month and they loved your coffee, so could I get a little to ship to them? Hence our website at http://www.islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/, a bit overwhelming at times, but when we get compliments, even in the smallest way, it really makes our day,” stated Joe Wells.
Since their humble beginnings, Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company has been reviewed and rated by some the worlds leading coffee experts (coffeereview.com), by which they have become one of the highest rated coffee roasting companies in the state of Florida with several of their gourmet coffee and espresso blends rating in the top 5% in the world. Their gourmet coffee blends are appealing to a wide range of palettes and all over the world, as they have customers in China, England, Canada, Puerto Rico and get this “Seattle.” It seems they have passed the test, which again, perhaps caught the eye of one of the leading gourmet coffee stores in the world, being Whole Foods Market.
“One thing we are very proud of,” the father of three stated, “As we said before, we roast our gourmet coffee with passion, so if you have a cup of Island Joes at a gas station or one of the finest restaurants in the Florida Keys i.e. Hot Tin Roof (Ocean Key Resort), Café Marquesa, 915, Martin’s Café and so forth, we roast every batch, no matter where it is going with not only the same passion, but with the same quality green beans.”
Wells, concluded by saying, “We live by our motto – Born out of Necessity and Crafted with Passion – The Proof is in the Cup.”

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/index.html

La Concha Hotel Key West now offer Island Joes Coffee

To contact us Click HERE
La Concha continues to offer the best of the Gourmet World.

The warmth of vintage Key West — Crowne Plaza La Concha, the Luxury Key West Hotel, greets our guests with the grandest lobby in all of Key West. Built in 1926, the Hotel has housed such luminaries as Presidents Truman and Eisenhower, Hemingway when he wrote "To Have and Have Not", and Tennessee Williams when he wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire".

The La Concha has begun offering fresh roasted gourmet coffee from Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company, also located in old town Key West, FL. “We are so close to the La Concha, sometimes when we deliver coffee you can still feel the warmth of the our freshly roasted gourmet coffee in bag.” Stated Joe Wells, Co-found and Coffee Roaster from Island Joes Coffee. Well went on the say, “The competition for the account at La Concha was quite completive as we where up against several other coffee companies which are national known. There where many meeting over a month or so, before there Food and Beverage Manager gave us the results. He called us one late afternoon and said lets get the ball rolling. It is a great honor for us to offer our gourmet coffee in such a fine establishment.”

In review, Island Joes Coffee was founded at a gas station in the Florida Keys several years back and since moved to old town Key West. This young coffee company founded by a father (Joe Wells, two sons (Trey and Brandon) and a daughter (AJ) have gain international notice in the world of gourmet coffee as they have become one of the highest rated coffee roasting companies in the state of Florida with several gourmet coffee and espresso blends rating in the top 5% in the world (coffeereview.com). And this has not gone unnoticed by gourmet coffee lovers all over the world, as from their website islandjoescoffee.com their customer base extend to far away lands as China, England, Puerto Rico, Canada, plus Seattle, then all across the U.S. Island Joes Coffee can be found in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the Florida Key i.e. Café Marquesa, Ocean Key Resort and the Hot Tin Roof, 915, Martin’s Café and more, then you may also fine Island Joes at gourmet retail shops like Whole Foods Markets, plus a few major supermarket and retail chains have begin carrying their gourmet coffee i.e. Albertsons and Walgreens (limited number of stores), but this should change as the demand grows for gourmet coffee from this small coffee roasting company in Key West. Perhaps the latest and good news is Tree of Life has picked up Island Joes Coffee and is beginning distribution in the Florida Keys and Miami area.

Wells said, “We are very excited and honored there are so many requests for our gourmet coffee and espresso blends, now we just have to stay focused and not lose our passion for roasting coffee, which will never happen, but one must always study and do ones homework.”

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/press-release-la-concha.asp

Island Joe's Coffee recevies first from PO from Winn Dixie

To contact us Click HERE

Island Joe’s Coffee receives from PO from Winn Dixie

“It takes years of dedicated work to build a brand, then when you are noticed, the hard work really begins.” stated Trey Wells, co-founder and coffee roasters at Island Joe’s Coffee, located in old town Key West, Florida

First there are a few phone calls, then a few emails, which take place over a year or so, then samples are requested for review, then it seems everything stops for months and months, the waiting begins and ends many times over, as the anticipation is sometimes overwhelming, but in today’s retail market, this is just part of the normal process, but with a the proper product and perhaps a little luck, the knock will come to your door.

This was part of the process to gain the attention of the buyers at Winn Dixie Supermarkets. Winn Dixie can trace its routes to 1913 and Burly, Idaho, who has since moved its offices to Jacksonville, Florida and operates around 500 stores with around 50,000 employees.

“We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to have a direct relationship with a major retailer, as Winn Dixie,” stated Wells, “My brother, Brandon and I, have been roasting our gourmet coffee and espresso for going on six years. And it seems our hard work, plus the intense passion we have for our coffee and never wavering from producing some of the finest blends in the world is becoming more established everyday in the coffee industry, as we do not, nor will we cut corners, no matter what kind of money is involved.”

Producing some the finest coffee blends in the world, is just what the coffee roasters at Island Joe’s do, as is proven by the high ratings they have received from some of the world’s leading coffee experts I.e. Kenneth Davids at coffee review.com has awardedd the Wells brothers ratings, which has not only pushed Island Joe’s to the top rated coffee roasting company in Florida, but also with blends rating the top 5% in the world.

Some examples, which will be offered at Winn Dixie are Island Joe’s 90 Mile Stretch Espresso, which rated 90 out of 100 and Island Joe’s Breakfast Blend, which rated 91 out of 100.

IJS Coffee can be also found at limited Publix, Whole Foods Markets, Albertsons, Walgreen’s and Navy Exchanges throughout the U.S., then Tree of Life handles some of IJS’s distribution, plus Sysco Foods handles distribution to resorts and restaurants.

Not only can Island Joe’s Coffee be found at major retailers, small coffee shops, plus properties such as Hyatt and Crowne Plaza around the U.S., but their online customer base spans the globe with customers in Canada, China, Chile, England, Puerto Rico and all across the U.S. including customer base in Seattle, who have shown a passion for Island Joes’ 90 Mile Stretch Espresso, which will be offered at Winn Dixie and offered whole bean.

When ask what was next, Wells responded with, “We like to take it one cup at a time, meaning we are working on our orders for Winn Dixie, so we are focused on taking care of this new customer, which we should be in stores in the next few weeks, plus we are focused on continuing to offer quality service and products to our current customers. As one could look at our customer service, just like our coffee blends - we are consistent with every cup and customer.”

More

Publix scouts Rock Hill location

To contact us Click HERE

(Publix under construction in Tega Cay, photo courtesy Mike K.) 
With two Publix stores already under construction just south of Charlotte, in Tega Cay and Indian Land respectively, a third store may be heading to Rock Hill.  Still remaining south of the N.C.-S.C. border, this store would be along Herlong Ave as developers scout a location.  Publix notes that Rock Hill is underserved by upmarket grocers--the city only has one Harris Teeter store, which Publix considers to be its most formidable competitor, and they have one Earth Fare store.  What is most significant about this news is the seriousness of Publix decision to expand in the South Carolina side of the Charlotte market, eventually prompting a potential move into the North Carolina side and into the city of Charlotte itself.  As for the two stores currently under construction, both the Tega Cay store (at 45,000 sq. ft.) and the Indian Land store (at 50,000 sq. ft.) should open before the end of this year. 
[Source]

Gourmet Coffee Service at Home

To contact us Click HERE
Now you may enjoy gourmet coffee service at home at the same coffee wholesale prices as many hotels resort and restauants recieve from Island Joes Coffee roasting company located in old town Key West, Florida.

Island Joes is offering pillow pacs in the sizes of 1.5oz 2.5oz and 5oz of their famous Colombian Breakfast Blend Coffee which is served in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the Florida Keys.

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/items/office-and-restaurant-coffee/office-restaurants-601-detail.htm


In Review, Island Joes Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company is one of the highest rated coffee roasting companies in the state of Florida with several gourmet coffee and espresso blends rating in the top 5% in the world.

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/items/office-and-restaurant-coffee/office-restaurants-600-detail.htm

Island Joes also offer an estate decaf coffee from their gourmet coffee service proram.

http://islandjoesgourmetcoffee.com/items/office-and-restaurant-coffee/1-5oz_bags_decaf_blend-detail.htm

Wholesale Coffee Roasters

To contact us Click HERE
The demand for Island Joes Gourmet Coffee has picked up a lot of the last few months, as Island Joes is getting requests from cafes for their product and the word spreads the good old fashion way - "word of mouth"

Just recently Island Joes Coffee teamed up with the owner of The Bookstore in the Grove, Coconut Grove Florida.

"It is a wonderful and beautiful spot, " stated Joe Wells, co-founder of Island Joes Coffee, "as the building is about 5000 square feet and one section, which is very nice offers only Island Joes."

In response for the demand, Island Joes has branched out with IJS Wholesale Inc, which is owned and opertated by the sons and daughter of Island Joes.

IJS Wholesale Inc. has setup a website for customers, cafe, hotel ect to be able to purchase Island Joes Coffee, plus coffee supplies i.e. cups, lids, coffee brewers and more at wholesale pricings.

Green Wise - Publix - Boco Raton

To contact us Click HERE

The Island Joe's coffee roasting family is very happy to announce our gourmet coffee and espresso blends are now being offered at the new Green Wise Store (Publix) at the Boca Village Square. Boca Raton, Florida.

Publix GreenWise Market - Boca Village Square

21230 Saint Andrews Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33433-2435 Main: (561) 544-2422 Fax: (561) 544-2434 Prepared Foods  - Curbside Pickup Note - All prices and menu items for Publix subject to change without notice.

In Review - Island Joe's Gourmet Coffee Roasting Company (to date) has become the highest rated coffee roasting company in the state of Florida with several gourmet and espresso blends rating in the top 5% in the world (coffeereview.com).  IJS Coffee was founded at a gas station in the Florida Keys by a father, two sons and a daughter, as being islanders, one learns to provide many simple things in life for ones self, thus the Wells family could not get a cup of fresh roasted gourmet coffee - "Everyday!" Hence the birth of Island Joe's Coffee whose coffee is not only offered in limited Publix, but other major brand stores aws wells, plus IJS Coffee has established a gobal online customer base with customer in China, England, Puerto Rico, Canada and all across the U.S., including Seattle.

The Wells family lives and roasts gourmet coffee by their motto "Born out of Necessity and Crafted with Passon - The Proof is in the Cup."

To view if IJS Coffee is in a Publix near you, please click here

Island Joes Full Moon - French Roasted Gourmet Coffee

To contact us Click HERE

Island Joes New French Roasted Gourmet Coffee – Island Joes Full Moon

 

We do not offer a lot of French roasted gourmet coffee blends at Island Joes Coffee Roasting Company located in old town Key West, Florida, as a matter of fact the only other we offer is our Deep Blue, which is one of our best sellers and is enjoyed all over the world.

Why?  Not all, but some coffee roasting company will offer a lot of French roasts as they may have improper roasting styles or perhaps, they have old green coffee beans, so the French roast will cover up these imperfections.  Some coffee companies who supply resorts and restaurants who offer their coffee very inexpensively will often purchase green coffee beans which have passed their prime, French roast them and sell them cheap, so the property thinks they are getting a good deal, as their profit margins will increase, but our thoughts are a couple of bad tasting cups of coffee and the guests will find another location to stay.

Island Joes Full Moon – This project took several months from start to finish, as many of our customers wanted a full body cup of gourmet coffee which is “High Octane.” Noting, there is higher caffeine content in a medium roast than a darker or French roast, but sometimes not as much body as our customers where asking for, so the task was to create a French roast with a rich and full body, but not burn all the caffeine out of the blend, plus keep this blend affordable.

How did we do it? We roasted many different ratios of different green coffee beans from different coffee regions around the world at many different roast temperatures.  Once we found the right green bean mixture, mainly South America and Indonesia, we had to find the right roast profile, which in tells adding and reducing heat to the beans during their roast cycle. The way we completed this task was we added a little extra high heat right toward the end of the roast cycle, then drop the beans and cool them quickly to help slow the roasting. Here we maintain a higher caffeine content, then for the beans to fully develop into a true French roast with no bitter aftertaste, the beans must rest 24 to 36 hours to allow the oils to come forth, so when you order Island Joes Full Moon, by the time they reach you, normally 3 to 5 days, our job is done and you will be enjoy a wonderfully smooth French roast with no bitter aftertaste, which will get you going anytime – day or night.

How does Island Joes Full Moon Taste? -  Well everyone has different a different set up on their pallets, so we can tell you what we taste and feel, then you must decide if this blend is for you.  We taste a full body, which finishes smooth and has no bitter aftertaste and then you get a slight clean earthly taste which holds on the tip of your tongue very nicely.  This taste make you want another sip.

McDonald's headed to Quail Corners

To contact us Click HERE

A long-running spat over fast food at Quail Corners Shopping Center appears to be over, as the Charlotte Business Journal is reporting that McDonald's has signed on to put a location there.

The shopping center, at Sharon Road West and Park Road, is getting a multimillion dollar renovation. Neighbors had previously fended off attempts to put a drive-thru fast food restaurant there, and Crosland, the developer, had failed to win approval three times previously.

Here's an article from my colleague Steve Harrison about the zoning dispute, which stretches back to 1979, and the city's zoning decision last year to allow a drive-thru location there.

The Business Journal reports that the new McDonald's will be nearly 4,500 square feet. Salsarita's will be relocating to a 2,400-square-foot location close to Park Road.



View Larger Map

Michaels craft store replaces Stonecrest Borders

To contact us Click HERE

A new Michaels arts and crafts store is opening soon at the Stonecrest shopping center, in the anchor space formerly occupied by a Borders bookstore.

An opening date for the store hasn't been announced yet, but both the sign in front and Stonecrest's website have it as "Coming Soon." There are currently four other Michaels stores in Charlotte.

Borders, of course, liquidated last year, closing about 400 big-box locations and costing nearly 11,000 employees their jobs. Much of that empty retail space is still sitting unoccupied as shopping centers and malls search for new, permanent anchor tenants.

Stonecrest also recently opened a new Soma Intimates store.





View Larger Map

The Shops at Target debut Sunday

To contact us Click HERE
The Shops at Target, a new store-within-a-store merchandising idea from Target, will debut at all of the stores locations and online this Sunday.

The Shops will feature items designed in conjunction with five small boutiques. They'll range in price from $1 to $159.99, covering product lines including upscale dog accessories and treats, candy, body care and perfume, and men's and women's apparel.

The collection of 400 items, or "flight," as Target calls the group, will also be available online. But the whole collection will be sold for only several weeks. Target has had success with other limited-run merchandise offerings, especially its smash-hit Missoni collection last year.

Additional "flights" featuring other boutiques are planned for later this year and next year, Target said. The five individual boutiques that will be featured are: The Candy Store, Cos Bar, Polka Dog Bakery, Privet House, and The Webster.

Tex-Mex headed to Montford Drive

To contact us Click HERE
A local restaurant group plans to open a restaurant called Maverick - Rock Taco in the former 15 North Roadside Kitchen on Montford Drive.

The restaurant will feature a Tex-Mex menu with a rock-and-roll theme. The new owners, Xenia Hospitality Group, hope to add a pair of outdoor patios as well as expanding the bar, and are aiming for live music from local bands up to five nights a week. The group currently operates Charlotte restaurants Ilios Noche, Nolen Kitchen, and Big View.

"We want to do something really fun," said co-owner Stratos Lambos. "The menu will be real Mexican-style, street food, small plates, strong flavors, lots of different chilies." The bar will have a wide selection of craft beers, said Lambos, and a Bloody Mary-style drink made with Mexican beer.

Xenia is aiming for an early June opening, with lunch and dinner menus. Lambos said prices will be affordable. "We don't want anyone to spend more than $10 on lunch," including drink and a side, he said.

The Xenia group had originally looked at the building when it was a smokehouse, before 15 North took over. But it was dilapidated at the time, and Lambos said he passed. "It was a blessing, because we were able to get the restaurant completely built out as opposed to building it out ourselves," he said. 

Now, Lambos said the lack of extensive amounts of construction overhead to repay will help him keep prices competitive. "We don't have this burden that we have to cover overhead with a very large check average," he said. He hopes that will keep customers flowing during the street's slower hours. "The biggest challenge on that street is going to be Monday to Wednesday lunch," he said.

Lambos plans to put decks on the front and side of the building, pending zoning approval. Lambos said music will be an important part of the new restaurant. "I really want to capitalize on bringing in some small local bands, young bands that want to come in and play their music," he said.

Though Montford Drive is a thriving nightspot fueled by the bar scene, Lambos said his hope is that Maverick will be known as much for its food as its drinks. "It's young, it's fun, people going on bar crawls up and down Montford," he said. "We want our restaurant to be a destination for food. I believe the longevity of a great restaurant-bar is in the food."



View Larger Map

Artisanal olive oil on East Boulevard

To contact us Click HERE

A new store is open on East Blvd., offering customers over 40 unique, upscale olive oils and vinegars.

Pour Olive Oil is the brainchild of owners Sophie and Doug Jones, who also live in Dilworth near the store. In a former art gallery, Pour has stainless steel containers (called "fustis") full of olive oils and vinegars. Customers can sample them in the store, and their bottle is filled straight from the fusti tap.

Here's a quick sampling of some of the flavored oils they carry: Tuscan Herb, Black Truffle Oil, Organic Basil, Lemon Fused, Persian Lime Infused, Blood Orange Fused, and Herbs de Provence. The oils are sourced from individual growing zones, like wines, according to Pour Olive Oil. Among the vinegars, you can choose from flavors such as Dark Chocolate Balsamic, Raspberry Beret, and Cranberry Pear.

And while you might think of olive oil as a product you only eat on salads or use in cooking, the store boasts that the oils and vinegars are tasty enough to sip straight. Plus, if you bring back your empty bottle, you get $1 off your next purchase.

You can follow Pour Olive Oil on Twitter @PourOliveOil. The store is open Tuesday - Sunday, with varying hours. Call 980.207.1510 for more information.





View Larger Map

New interior design store in South End

To contact us Click HERE

Interior Motives is open on South Blvd., the product of interior designer and founder Will Smith's "modern eclectic" aesthetic.

Smith opened the store on April 1, after months of preparation. "I went to every furniture store in Charlotte," said Smith, who was an interior designer for 12 years before opening the store. "I don't think I missed one, and if I did, I don't know about it."


He settled on South Boulevard, and set about finding pieces that captured his design aesthetic. "It's challenging to find those things you need when you really need a statement piece. I said what items do I tend to find that people really love?" Smith said.

"I call it modern eclectic. You could come to our place and find an antique piece, but it will have a modern edge," said Smith. He tends to favor pieces with natural elements, re-purposed pieces, and creations from local artisans. "It's tactile, it's things you want to touch, you want to feel, and sit on."


"Most of our stuff is made in the U.S. We do have some imports, and we also do custom stuff as well," said Smith, a Duplin County native who's been in Charlotte since moving here to attend UNC-Charlotte.


"I started dabbling in the interior design business after I did an internship and realized I didn't want to be an attorney," he said.
Now he sells wallpaper, lighting, accessories, home decor, furniture and rugs. He said he's trying to appeal to all segments of the market, with large, assertive pieces and smaller pieces of furniture that would fit in a small apartment.

"We try to have a balance of everything," he said, "from the custom client to the client that just moved into their first apartment and needs a table."


View Larger Map

Sam's Club in Mooresville soon

To contact us Click HERE

Sam's Club, as originally reported by my colleague Joe Marusak, is planning to seek approval for a store near Interstate 77, Exit 36.

The store would be off of N.C. 150 West, on Ervin Road. That's across from the Mooresville Crossing shopping center. The company will ask Mooresville's Planning Board for a rezoning to allow the store on Thursday, May 10.

Sam's Club is owned by Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart. The company had 5.8 percent of Charlotte-area grocery sales in 2011, up from 5.5 percent in 2010, according to the latest market share data from Chain Store Guide. The closest Sam's Clubs to Mooresville now are currently in Kannapolis or the University City area in Charlotte.

Online grocery launches Charlotte home delivery

To contact us Click HERE

Lettuce Carry is now delivering groceries in the Charlotte region at no extra charge with a minimum order of $25, offering an alternative for customers too harried to make it to the supermarket.

I first saw this on our news partner WCNC-TV, which had a story about Lettuce Carry on Friday. The service is privately owned and operates out of a warehouse in Pineville, delivering to most of the Charlotte region and parts of South Carolina.

Lettuce Carry stocks about 15,000 items, smaller than a traditional supermarket which might have 40,000 or so individual items. But that's still more than many smaller stores, such as Aldi or Trader Joe's, which carry around 10,000 or fewer.

The service offers next-day delivery for free on orders over $25, as well as weekly and monthly deliveries on minimum orders of $75. You save 3 percent and 5 percent off the total bill with those options. A same-day "expedited" order comes with a $10 delivery fee, but no minimum order size.

Online grocery shopping hasn't exactly caught fire so far with traditional retailers. Harris Teeter offers curbside pickup, where shoppers order online and show up at the store to pick up and pay for their completed order. Publix, which is opening in the fall near Charlotte, recently discontinued a similar program after it failed to attract enough customers.

Lettuce Carry seems to fit the same convenience niche that Swiss Farms, a new drive-thru grocer on Sardis Road, is aiming for. With traditional grocery shopping shifting to ever-bigger stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Harris Teeter's expanded stores), some consumers seem to be finding they don't have the time (or desire) to browse 20 aisles each time they need milk and eggs. Hence the rise in food sales at small-box retailers such as Family Dollar, drive-thru grocers selling just the basics, and grocers who will bring a limited selection of the essentials straight to your door.

According to WCNC, Lettuce Carry has about 50 customers so far. Have you tried it, or would you? Why or why not? I'm curious to hear what you think.