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A veteran-owned tea and coffee company that started in a Georgia cafeteria is working to create jobs for former service members while building a brand rooted in American history and values.
Iraq War veteran Roger Owens founded the Star Spangled Tea & Coffee Co. and his wife, Aimee Owens, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea came about after Roger Owens, a longtime coffee drinker, started tasting tea.
“My son and my wife made me tea, and I wasn't a drinker, I was a coffee drinker,” Roger Owens told FOX Business.
After discovering hibiscus tea, the couple searched the Internet An American and veteran themed tea company. They came up empty-handed.
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Star Spangled Tea & Coffee founder Roger Owens, left, poses with his wife, Aimee Owens, and their son, Alex Owens. (Star Spangled Tea & Coffee Co.)
“We looked at each other and decided to start our own,” he said.
The Columbus, Georgia-based company was launched nearly four years ago and started out in a couple's dining room.
“We didn't know anything about tea in the first place,” said Roger Owens. “… Trying to start a business in the time of COVID was not easy.”
Star Spangled Tea & Coffee now sells premium coffee and loose leaf teas inspired by American history, landmarks and regional spices.
Its products include blends that include Georgia peaches and Florida key limes, as well as teas and coffees rooted in national parks and historic sites.
According to the company's website, its products are sold in museums, presidential libraries, state parks, historic sites and specialty stores.
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Star Spangled Tea & Coffee's Great American Road Trip slow-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 business places a strong emphasis on hiring veterans and helping them regain a sense of community and purpose they may have lost after leaving the military.
“You get used to it [part of] group and then when you get out of the military, you're on your own without your family, and it's like someone pulled the rug out from under you,” said Roger Owens.
“We want veterans to get more than just a job,” he added. “We want them to find a purpose.”
The company expanded into coffee last year after repeated requests from customers.
It also launched several patriotic products for its work with Freedom 250, including a “Great American Road” roasted coffee blend linked to America's 250th anniversary.
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Star Spangled Tea & Coffee products are on display at the event. The Georgia-based company sells blends inspired by American history, landmarks and regional flavors. (Star Spangled Tea & Coffee Co.)
Other products include the White House cherry-inspired blend and the history-inspired Liberty Tea.
Roger Owens said the company's long-term vision goes beyond selling tea and coffee.
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“We are not just building another coffee company,” he said. “We're building a kind of next American space.”
He hopes to open stores across the country where customers can gather for tea or coffee and “celebrate what unites us.” The company is looking for investors and strategic partners to help open locations, expand their product line and hire more veterans.
“We didn't want politics to come into this, we wanted it to be for all Americans,” said Roger Owens.
