Discovering Bear Lake Coffee Co.: A Coffeehouse and Roastery with a Purpose
Bear Lake Coffee Co., proudly holding Certified B Corp status, is more than just a coffeehouse and roastery. It’s a passionate commitment to exceptional coffee, the farmers who cultivate it worldwide, and the local community it calls home. Every cup is crafted with a deep dedication to sustainability, innovation, and giving back—donating 2% of revenue to the communities served. Simply put, it’s coffee that’s good for you, good for the planet, and good for the people who make it all possible.
The Main Benefits: Quality, Community, and Commitment
Here’s what makes Bear Lake Coffee Co. stand out:
- Certified B Corporation with a strong social responsibility score of 108.9
- Sources only the top 1% of specialty coffee beans worldwide
- Expert evaluation by Licensed Q Grader and CVA Certified Cupper
- 2% of revenue donated back to local and global communities
- Operates a renewable-energy powered coffeehouse designed as a welcoming “third place”
- Collaborates with local artisans and UW–Madison students for community-focused growth
The Visionary Behind the Beans: Gabe Damiani
Gabe Damiani isn’t just an entrepreneur; he’s a visionary with over twenty years steeped in coffeehouses around the globe. As a Licensed Q Grader, CVA Certified Cupper, and SCA Roasting Professional, Gabe’s expertise goes well beyond business-building. He’s crafted a blueprint for positive impact on humanity and the planet. Through Bear Lake Coffee, Gabe has created more than a place to grab a cup—he’s built a beacon of hope, proving that even from the most remote corners of the world, meaningful change can happen.
The Creative Force in the Kitchen: Katie’s Culinary Magic
Katie is the creative heart behind Bear Lake Coffee’s food offerings. She dreams up delicious dishes that perfectly complement every Bear Lake beverage. From fresh breakfast bites to cozy lunch specials, Katie keeps the menu bursting with flavor and variety. And here’s the best part—she sources ingredients locally whenever possible, ensuring every plate is as fresh as it is flavorful. It’s food that feels like home, made with care and creativity.
Carmen’s Passion: Coffee as a Connector
Carmen is a devoted coffee connoisseur who sees specialty coffee as so much more than just a drink. To her, it’s a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas. With a lifelong passion for the craft, she approaches every step of roasting with purpose, curiosity, and care. Carmen believes coffee has the power to inspire connection and spark positive change—from the farms where it’s grown to the communities where it’s shared. Her work embodies that spirit every single day.
Impacting Communities and the Planet
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Supporting farmers and communities through fair trade and revenue donations
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Operating a renewable-energy powered coffeehouse
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating local jobs and fostering sustainable business practices
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Sourcing top-quality beans with transparency and sustainability
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Committing to environmentally friendly roasting and operations
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Coffee Community
The journey began in 2022, roasting and delivering coffee exclusively online from Atlanta, GA. That same year, Bear Lake Coffee Co. acquired a historic general store in Barronett, WI, setting the stage for its future coffeehouse. Collaborations with UW–Madison students helped shape a launch strategy rooted in community needs. Fast forward to 2023, local artisans helped restore and build a distinctive fourth-wave coffeehouse and roastery in Barronett, powered by renewable energy and designed as a welcoming “third place.” By 2024, Bear Lake Coffee proudly earned its Certified B Corporation status—Wisconsin’s 24th—highlighting its dedication to social responsibility. Soon after, the doors opened to the Barronett coffeehouse, offering a cozy haven where patrons can connect, relax, and recharge over exceptional coffee.
