Small Business Highlight: Orleans Coffee

When I think of New Orleans, after good food and the Saints I think of coffee.

So including a small business highlight of a successful and local coffee company in New Orleans only seemed natural, plus it is owned by a good friend of mine.

Meet Orleans Coffee

I met Bob Arceneaux, owner of Orleans Coffee, through our mutual friend and CPA Roy Taylor. Since we were introduced, Bob and I have had a great working relationship and I have enjoyed learning about his company and providing him with financial advice both personally and for the business.

Bob has lived in New Orleans since 1986. After working in coffee roasting for 8 years with a couple other companies, he was offered an opportunity to work for Orleans Coffee. “After 12 years, the owner retired and sold it to me and another partner whom I recently bought out,” Bob recalls.

Orleans Coffee is not a coffee shop, but a roaster that sells coffee to coffee shops and restaurants. “We are different in that we have a large national customer base, having been a true mail order coffee business since 1985. We also sell all the products and equipment that are necessary to open and run a coffee house.”

What’s your favorite coffee?

Of course one question that everyone who meets a coffee roaster must know the answer to is “What’s your favorite coffee?” After laughing at the initial question and commenting that there are so many to try it’s hard to choose just one, Bob suggests everyone give the Guatemala Antigua – LA Flor a try. “It’s a light/medium roast, with pleasant acidity, brown sugar and citrusy flavors. It’s always good,” Bob describes.

Why New Orleans?

Bob’s favorite thing about living and owning a business in New Orleans is the people. “People here are very interesting and have such strong personalities. I never tire of meeting people who have lived here all their lives, or even those who, like me, came here and fell in love with the city and its people.”

Not only does Bob have a passion and love for New Orleans and the people who live here, but he also does what he can to give back to the community. He recently hired a RICC partner company for a landscaping project which employs people who need a “hand up.” They did such a great job Bob is planning to hire them again soon for another project.

Orleans Coffee also serves cold brewed iced coffee and iced tea at Hogs for the Cause, one of the largest barbecue competition and music festival in the country, which supports families fighting pediatric brain cancer.

Where to find Orleans Coffee

Learn more about Orleans Coffee on their website and give the Guatemala Antigua – LA Flor a try! You can also find them at the annual Specialty Coffee Association Annual expo each year in April and the SCAA Roasters Guild Retreat in August.

Supporting New Orleans

I’m happy to share the story of Orleans Coffee and Bob Arceneaux; someone who has helped grow a local business to a national level all while staying true to their New Orleans roots.