Community service
Louisiana-based company Community Coffee settles into Oklahoma and Texas markets as it opens a new warehouse and distribution center in Oklahoma City.
The 5,727-square-foot center will employ a staff of eight and service the University of Oklahoma, local restaurants and grocery stores, said Jodi Conachen, Community general manager of communications.
“We definitely want to increase our footprint in Oklahoma City,” she said. “We have a really strong group for [the] coffee service division that is working with major businesses, universities and restaurants.”
Community Coffee is well-known for its use of chicory root in some of its blends, though Conachen said it might be an acquired taste.
“For people trying Community Coffee for the first time, I usually recommend a dark or a house roast,” she said. “Chicory has a different flavor, a bite, a sharpness to it.”
Bedré best
Bedré Fine Chocolate is extending its reach into more retailers across Oklahoma. The Chickasaw Nation-owned confectionery has a new distribution agreement with HAC Inc., which owns Homeland, Country Mart and United Supermarket stores in the state.
The new partnership puts the chocolates into 26 grocery stores alongside other Made in Oklahoma Coalition products, said Kay Colbert, Bedré general manager. Products are currently sold in some department stores and retail and wholesale outlets, but this is the first time the candy will be sold by state grocers.
“Part of [Bill Anoatubby’s] mandate is to grow tourism and expand our businesses,” Colbert said of the Chickasaw Nation leader. “This is an important link giving us that boost, helping us develop a following in Oklahoma.”
Ogletoberfest!
An obscure local blog joins a popular local brewery to create a new seasonal beer.
Ogletoberfest is the brainchild of The Lost Ogle publisher Patrick Riley and Anthem Brewing Company head brewer Patrick Lively, who began their work on the brew in spring.
“My two dreams in life were to ride a unicorn with Gary England and brew a beer,” Riley said. “And now I’ve accomplished both.”
The Vienna-style amber lager also is the first lager produced by Anthem, Lively said.
When Riley approached him in March, Lively said he liked the idea and it worked well with Anthem’s community-oriented approach.
“We love Oklahoma City,” Lively said. “We want to be an active part of what’s going on in the city from here on out.”
For Riley, this brew is a lifelong goal realized. Watch for it at taps early this month and in cans later in September.
