About Us

Ugly Is As Ugly Does.

Truth: you can’t call yourself Ugly and then behave that way. Too obvious. So we try to do some good in the world.

We only roast coffee that’s traded and grown in a way that benefits the growers and the environment.

You may hear the phrase “roasted with integrity” around here. And you may not. It’s not something we really say that much. It’s just something we do.

And maybe you’re thinking there’s already plenty of other “pretty” coffee companies who talk that kind of blah-blah-blah. Here’s the difference: walking the blah-blah-blah.

The Life Ugly.

There are those who claim to trade fairly just to fool you into having a clear conscience along with your cup.

We’re not fooling anybody. Never even try.

It’s not easy, but we select the purest beans in a way that’s 100% fair to growers, not “just enough that we can claim to be fair.” One Hundred Percent. A fair trade price means farmers can feed and clothe their families. It means they receive adequate healthcare, and can give their kids educational opportunities.

Turns out that mission is some huge amount of work. We’re willing to do it. All you have to do is brew a bag now and then.

Memphis Roasted. In Memphis.

Soon as we order that finest of fine coffees in a way that benefits those farmers, we have it shipped up the Mississippi to Memphis and roast it with the attention most people give babies.

From pallet to roaster to your fist. Fast equals fresh.

Since we started in a coffee house (1998, campus hangout, lots of spiritually uplifting coffee-fueled philosophizing), we know about customer service. We’re going to be the best place to do business with you can quickly think of.

Also, we’re a great place to work. If you’re the Ugly type.