Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA
Type: Producer
Produces: Coffee
Location: West Des Moines, Iowa
Miles from Coop: 121
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Christopher James lost his job, but found his calling. From his West Des Moines home, he began roasting coffee in small batches using a clean hot air roaster.
With no gas or emissions involved, he started by roasting just one pound per hour. Determined to keep things eco-friendly, he also made a choice that would become part of Coffalo Coffee’s identity: delivering orders by bike.
As Christopher puts it, “One less car on the road is a good thing.”
Today, Coffalo roasts 60 pounds of beans per hour. James still handles every delivery himself, and Des Moines residents can often see him cycling around town with his loyal co-pilot, Bugsy the pug, perched on the back of his bike. Wearing her signature doggy helmet and doggy goggles, Bugsy is a hit with customers wherever they go.
Before Bugsy, there was Sushi the original delivery dog. Blind and deaf, Sushi inspired the idea when James was looking for a way to get her out of the house.
“I give her credit for lifting the company to a certain point and then passing it off to me,” he says.
Coffalo doesn’t just serve great coffee, it’s also committed to doing good. Each month, James donates a pound of their “Roam Free Roast” to the Buffalo Field Campaign, a nonprofit that protects and herds wild buffalo in the Yellowstone region.
Coffalo has come a long way from a one-pound-per-hour roaster, but it’s still a one-man operation. Christopher James continues to roast, package, and deliver every bag himself, with Bugsy by his side. Coffalo has recently expanded into the Iowa City area, and you can now get their roasts at all three New Pioneer locations.
Checkout these great products from Coffalo Coffee
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
Seed Savers formed a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds.
Decorah, IA
Carly Andrews was inspired to start farming after attending The University of Vermont, and learning about the local foods movement. After seeing a panel of all women farmers in her undergrad, she decided to try it out for herself.
Iowa City, IA
Ansel’s Awesome Hot Sauce, founded by Ansel Cummings in Riverside, IA, creates a variety of tasty hot sauces that prioritize flavor, heat levels, local producers, and exceptional quality and practices.
Riverside, IA
When Sharon and her young family were in need of a natural remedy for their eczema, her homemade tallow balm cleared their patches before they could even get into their doctor. Now Gray Toad Tallow is known for helping to heal psoriasis, dry skin, cycling saddle sores, calluses, sunburns, chapped lips, and more!
Cedar Rapids, IA
In 2020, Chris James turned to coffee roasting and never looked back. His flavorful brews and charming bike deliveries with his pug Bugsy have made his brand a local favorite.
West Des Moines, Iowa
Katie's handmade soaps are made from scratch in small batches using high quality ingredients like aloe vera, cocoa butter, and mango butter.
Cedar Rapids, IA
Big Timber Maple has been producing certified organic maple syrup since 2000. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a thriving family business, driven by a passion for quality and tradition.
Epworth, Iowa
What we love is what we do best. “I’m a light roast single origin guy – no blends.
Iowa City, IA