For more than 50 years, Walt Disney World has supported the advancement of entrepreneurship, job creation and economic progress in Florida through its strong relationships with more than 2,500 Florida-based small businesses. One of those businesses is Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, a Florida-based roasting company that now serves as the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney first teamed up with Joffrey’s in 1995 at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park with a test run of a few specialty drinks. Those early sips were just the beginning of a magical collaboration, and now you can find Joffrey’s locations fueling guests at Walt Disney World Resort parks, signature restaurants and resorts.
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, a Tampa-based specialty roaster, is growing into a thriving small business since becoming the official specialty coffee of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Clubs. The alliance has allowed the business to increase revenue and gain exposure to its brand. When the first kiosk opened at Disney, Joffrey’s had 10 employees working at Walt Disney World Resort. It has now grown exponentially, with over 150 employees working across the resort. Beyond Walt Disney World Resort, Joffrey’s Coffee is served at Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line.
Ted Abrams, the CEO of Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, began his journey with the company in 2001, guiding it through significant transformations. Initially, Joffrey’s focused primarily on operating its own coffee shops throughout the Tampa Bay region, however a pivotal collaboration with Disney marked a turning point for the company with the ability to develop co-branded products and create unique marketing opportunities with Disney’s portfolio of characters.
“We’re able to create memorable coffee experiences for Disney guests, shifting the company’s focus from behind-the-scenes supplier to a recognized consumer brand,” Abrams said.
Joffrey’s roastmasters collaborate with Disney’s world-class chefs to create exclusive blends for guests to enjoy. One of their newest co-branded products, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Blend, was first introduced exclusively for D23 fans last month, where it received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees. Due to its popularity, the Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company blend is now available for consumers beyond Disney properties, allowing them to add some extra enchantment to their morning brew.
“The people behind Joffrey’s are experts in their field who also have an immeasurable passion for their product and creating excellent guest experiences,” Erika Shen, Vice President of Alliance Management at Disney, said. “It’s been wonderful to see the Joffrey’s brand evolve and grow over the years, and it’s truly a pleasure collaborating with them on everything from specialty themed blends only available in our parks, to branded products available for guests to purchase at home.”