A veteran owned tea and a coffee company that started in a Georgia mess hall is working to create jobs for former military personnel while building a brand rooted in American history and values.
Iraq War veteran Roger Owens founded Star Spangled Tea & Coffee Co. with his wife, Aimee Owens, during the Iraq War. Covid-19 pandemic. The idea came after Roger Owens, a longtime coffee drinker, developed a taste for tea.
“My son and my wife made me drink tea, and I really wasn’t a tea drinker, I was more of a coffee person,” Roger Owens told FOX Business.
After discovering hibiscus tea, the couple searched online for a American theme and a veteran-owned tea business. They arrived empty-handed.
VETERANS ARE USING THIS HOME BUYER BENEFIT MORE OFTEN – BUT MANY STILL DON’T KNOW IT EXISTS
Star Spangled Tea & Coffee founder Roger Owens, left, poses with his wife, Aimee Owens, and their son, Alex Owens. (Star Tea and Coffee Co.)
“We kind of looked at each other and decided to start our own business,” he said.
The Columbus, Ga.-based business launched nearly four years ago and initially operated out of the couple’s dining room.
“At first we didn’t know anything about tea,” Roger Owens said. “…Trying to start a business during COVID hasn’t been easy.”
Star Spangled Tea & Coffee now sells premium coffee and loose leaf teas inspired by American history, landmarks and regional flavors.
Its products include blends featuring Georgia peaches and Florida limes, as well as teas and coffees tied to national parks and historic sites.
According to the company’s website, its products are sold in museums, presidential libraries, national parks, historic destinations and specialist retailers.
USAA and Armed Forces YMCA launch child care program ahead of Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Star Spangled Tea & Coffee’s Great American Road Trip Light Roast Coffee Blend was created through the company’s work with Freedom 250.
It also ships nationwide, including Alaska, Hawaii, and overseas military addresses.
Roger Owens said the company places a strong emphasis on hiring veterans and helping them regain the sense of teamwork and purpose they may have lost after leaving the military.
“You’re used to being [part of] a team and when you leave the military, you’re alone, except for your family, and it’s like someone pulled the rug out from under you,” Roger Owens said.
“We want veterans to find more than just a job,” he added. “We look for them to find purpose.”
THE expanded business in the cafe last year after repeated requests from customers.
She has also developed several patriotic products through her work with Freedom 250, including a “Great American Road Trip” light roast coffee blend tied to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
LAS VEGAS VETERAN PUSHES BACK AFTER HOA ALLEGEDLY TARGETED FRONT YARD HYDRANT DISPLAY: “THE LAST STRAW”
Star Spangled Tea & Coffee products are on display at an event. The Georgia-based company sells blends inspired by American history, landmarks and regional flavors. (Star Tea and Coffee Co.)
Other products include a White House blend inspired by cherry blossoms and a historically inspired Liberty tea.
Roger Owens said the company’s long-term vision extends beyond selling tea and coffee.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
“We’re not just building another coffee business,” he said. “We’re building America’s next destination brand.”
He hopes to open stores across the country where customers can come together over tea or coffee and “celebrate what unites us”. The company is seeking investors and strategic partners to help it open locations, expand its product line and hire more veterans.
“We didn’t want politics to be involved in this, we wanted this to affect all Americans,” Roger Owens said.
