Portland has Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Chicago has Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea, and Seattle has Caffe Vita Coffee Roasting Co.
Keith “Herbie” Herbert is building Ink Coffee to become synonymous with Denver.
Last year’s downsizing by Starbucks may have created just the opening for Herbert and other small, independent java brewers.
Today, Herbert and his partners open their eighth Ink Coffee in the renovated Sage Building on the 16th Street Mall. All from a coffee pushcart Herbert bought in 1994 while he was a ski bum modeling clothes and equipment.
“We are a fiercely local brand, and we want to expose ourselves to more local people who live, work and play in Denver,” Herbert said.
Experts say the closure of hundreds of Starbucks shops last year has given smaller players a chance to grow and compete, especially under the current “buy local” craze.
“This is a good time for an independent,” said Kevin Coupe, founder and editor of Connecticut-based , a website for food retail and manufacturing sectors. “Awareness is up, and vulnerability for Starbucks is high.”
Coupe said local operators still need to offer quality, competitive prices and an inviting space to see success.
Herbert, 41, is confident he provides a gourmet product and experience. Last year, the company posted $3 million in sales.
Ink buys bagels from Boulder, uses Third Street Chai and gets its bread from City Bakery in Denver.
“We are a gourmet product,” he said. “We see people seeking us out if they are going to spend money.”
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
