Gunning for good coffee
One java business has decided to make roots more permanent in St. Albert. Black Rifle Coffee Company has expanded from an online-only business to a storefront in the Campbell Business Park.
“The business started in October and it’s been so successful that it’s been hard to keep inventory,” said Darren Weeks, owner of Black Rifle Coffee Company.
The business is a sister company to the American Black Rifle Coffee Company, which was founded by a veteran. Both businesses offer coffee roasted to order.
Most coffee roasts are army-themed, featuring titles such as CAF Coffee Rounds, AK-47 Espresso Blend and Silencer Smooth Coffee Blend, to name a few.
Some of the campaigning done by the American company has been slightly controversial. The pro-America business has a strong focus on gun rights and conservative values.
Last year when President Trump announced a travel ban, Starbucks responded by launching a campaign to hire 10,000 refugees. Soon afterwards the coffee company said they would hire 10,000 veterans.
Weeks said he first found out about Black Rifle Coffee Company after investing money into a ranch located in San Antonio, Texas, that helps veterans.
“That ranch helps veterans and first responders with PTSD, as well as alcohol and drug problems,” he said. “This ranch helps those people.”
While visiting the ranch, called Warriors Heart, Weeks tasted coffee from Black Rifle Coffee Company and offered to bring the business to Canada.
While Weeks isn’t a veteran himself, he said two of his grandfathers had served in the Second World War.
“I remember sitting on my grandfather’s lap eating cookies and having sips of his coffee, and I would always ask him questions about World War Two,” he said.
A big focus for the veteran-centred business is employing veterans.
Part of the proceeds go towards a local cause. Weeks said since October the business has donated more than $30,000 to the Edmonton-based organization, Little Warriors, which helps children who have been sexually abused.
The business is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and is located at #20, 10 Carleton Drive.
For more information visit https://www.blackriflecoffee.ca/.
Welcome to the centre
The St. Albert Centre has added a new clothing store to its roster of retailers. Warehouse One opened its doors on May 2.
The store offers sizes 24 to 36 and 14+ to 22+ in ladies jeans and 28 to 42 in men's jeans, as well as a selection of tops ranging from XS to XXXL.
This is the first Warehouse One in St. Albert, there are three other locations in Edmonton.
Warehouse One is one of the new stores located in the mall’s newly renovated space of 117,000 square feet. The new arm of the mall will feature more than 20 new retailers once completed.
The jean store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. To see the clothing collection online visit https://www.warehouseone.com/.
