At Verena Street Coffee Co., we're thrilled to share the exciting news of our transition to solar energy! In addition to the natural gas employed in our roasting process, electricity constitutes the second most significant energy source across various stages of our operations. From grinding and packaging to warehouse management and distribution processes, electricity plays a crucial role in powering our roasting and packaging facility. Through a partnership with Blue Sky Solar Co. of Dubuque, IA, we've installed a cutting-edge solar array on the roof of our facility that's set to offset roughly 110% of our current electricity usage. This means we're not just minimizing our environmental impact; we're also producing surplus energy, allowing us to grow sustainably for years before our energy needs surpass our production capacity.
The advantages resulting from this transition are multifaceted. Within a remarkably short span of 2-3 years, the system is projected to cover its costs through a combination of tax incentives and substantial energy savings. Furthermore, in light of the consistent annual escalation in electricity rates, our solar infrastructure guarantees ongoing cost efficiencies, thus affirming our dedication to environmental stewardship while delivering escalating financial benefits.
More than being a green energy choice, our solar system aligns seamlessly with our core values. It exemplifies our dedication to continuous improvement, ensuring that we uphold our promise to customers—providing high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee that's not only convenient but also affordable.
As part of our ongoing efforts to embrace renewable energy sources, we're excited to reveal our upcoming packaging update that proudly showcases our transition to solar energy. The introduction of our new "powered by solar" icon serves as a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to harnessing clean, eco-friendly power, exemplifying our core values once more. Once the final touches are applied to our revised packaging, it will serve as a true embodiment of our dedication to both excellence and sustainability, reflecting our ongoing pledge to environmental responsibility.
Join us in celebrating this step forward, as we take pride in delivering exceptional coffee while contributing positively to the planet. We remain committed to progress, sustainability, and serving our valued customers with the finest coffee experience. Your support fuels our commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future with every cup we serve.
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]]>The founders wanted to honor their heritage by naming their coffee company after the Verena Street in Dubuque they grew up on. Available in more than 800 stores throughout the Midwest, this coffee is made in small batches. They use three to four different bean profiles to create a unique flavor while sourcing their coffees from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
Sean’s Take:
I am not a coffee drinker so I did not brew myself a cup of Verena Street. This did not matter after I visited the local grocery store and was shocked. Shelving space is typically taken up by the national brands, but when I went to the coffee aisle, I was surprised at how much shelving space was devoted to Verena Street Coffee. From the top to the bottom shelf, Verena Street lined a four-foot space with assorted flavors such as Shot Tower Espresso, Crop Circles, and many more. I also spoke with a couple of friends who drink coffee, and Verena Street was their top choice. That is all I need to know Verena Street is the coffee to recommend.
Editor’s note: This is the coffee that Ty drinks. Cow Tipper and Julien’s Breakfast Blend are his go-to flavors.
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Cousins Eric Gantz and Michael Gantz opened Verena Street Coffee in December 2010. The first bags of coffee hit local store shelves on Jan. 6, 2011.
The coffee is roasted, blended, ground and packaged in Dubuque.
“We offer whole bean, ground and single cup coffee products in various package sizes,” said Eric Gantz. “Our coffee is sold in take-home packages in grocery stores, club stores and online. Our coffee is also brewed and ready to go at many regional employers and foodservice outlets, such as John Deere, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh and other locations.”
The Gantz cousins have a goal to build the Verena Street brand into a powerful regional brand throughout the Midwest, and Dubuquers will be proud to call the brand their own.
“Our vision is to become the go-to coffee at work, at home and on-the-go for anyone tired of bitter, boring coffee,” Eric Gantz said. “You deserve high-quality, convenient and affordable coffee at home. Our unique blends are always freshly roasted to precise levels. Our light roasts are never too light (sour), and our dark roasts are never too dark (bitter).”
Verena Street Coffee beans are sourced via sustainable methods. The beans are artfully blended from different origins to make a unique recipe for each coffee. This offers a complexity of flavor and aroma that cannot be duplicated in any one bean origin.
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Congrats, Amanda! This is well deserved.
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One decade ago, Verena Street Coffee Co. began with just four workers and a 3,000-square-foot warehouse. The Dubuque-based coffee roasting operation now employs 17 workers and operates out of a 30,000-square-foot facility off Seippel Road.
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We can finally announce that we are open for business at our new facility. The owners and staff are very excited to be in the new place and can't wait to see what this new venture brings.
The Verena Street Coffee company started back in December 2010 in a little brick building on Hwy 52 in Dubuque. They quickly outgrew that and had to build an addition to the back in June 2014. Since then, they have been operating out of that 7,500 square foot facility while continuing to grow at a rapid rate.
"We had room to add on one more time here, but that would've been a BandAid. It would have lasted us maybe a year. We were struggling to keep up with demand from existing customers and could only go after so much new business with the facilities we had. With the new facility, it forced us to say, 'OK, let's go for it" - Eric Gantz, co-owner
The new location, at 720 Verena Ct. in Dubuque, is a 34,000 square foot facility that has the potential to expand to 120,000 square feet if needed.
"The new facility will allow the business to move to the next level and meet growing demand from customers. We want to eventually be a national player in the coffee business." - Michael Gantz, co-owner
Our new roasting facility is one of the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art coffee facilities here in the Midwest. It sits atop a hill off Hwy 20 with a beautiful view of the countryside. The new lobby has floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the production area so visitors can take a peek at our roasting process. Also found in the lobby is a seating area, coffee sampling station, and coffee and merchandise to purchase.
The official Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening ceremony was November 10, 2016. The much anticipated event welcomed over 150 friends, family, customers, and business associates. Guests were able to tour the facility as well as partake of food and beverages. The lobby bustled with those that signed up for our prize basket, coffee tastings as well as taking advantage of our special ribbon cutting specials on merchandise.
We are excited to enter this next stage of our growth, which will allow us to bring our freshly craft roasted coffee to even more loyal fans. The past 6 years have been challenging but fun every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our brand, company, and employees in the next 6 years as we take the business to a whole new level. We give sincere thanks to our close-knit group of loyal employees who have stuck with us from the early years, to all our distributors and retailers who have given us a chance to show their customers what we have to offer, and to our passionate customers for supporting an independent family-owned business by going out on a limb to try something different. - Eric Gantz, co-owner
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