Black Business Profiles: Fresh Cup Coffee & Tea Company
Billy Ocean once said, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and that’s precisely what Jarod Foreman did after losing his job during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreman, who spent over a decade working in the beverage industry, was suddenly out of a job and searching for the next opportunity. His experience sourcing high-quality products and ability to understand the needs of consumers led him to his next endeavor.
Alongside his wife, Thanayi, who he refers to as the brains of the operation, Foreman poured their money and ambition into a new business, Fresh Cup Coffee & Tea Company. Foreman wanted the business community to have access to coffee and tea, especially when many companies were working remotely. Fresh Cup delivers coffee, tea, K-cups and more to local businesses, including Suffolk’s Wall Street Café. He’s currently partnered with the Portsmouth-based global beverage wholesaler, Massimo Zanetti, as well as Northern Virginia’s True Honey Teas.
Now in his second year, I spoke with Foreman about starting his business, being a Black business owner and the role family plays in his work.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
The Cravings Queen: What inspired you to start Fresh Cup?
Jarod Foreman: I was laid off in 2020 due to the pandemic. I was sitting at home, waiting for unemployment, and it wasn’t coming in. I said, you know what? I’m not just going to sit around and wait for the government. I’m going to do what I already knew how to do, which is coffee and tea.
You’ve got someone who’s been in the industry for 12, 13 years. I recognize that hand-roasted, small batch coffee is very popular right now.
What sets Fresh Cup apart from other companies in the industry?
We’re unique in that we actually do hand-roasted coffee from local suppliers in town. We make sure those products are shipped generally the same day. A lot of our customers are in Hampton Roads, but we also ship nationally as well.
What’s been the most rewarding part of owning your own business?
I think the most rewarding part of owning my own business is getting to do a nice family business with my wife and my kids. My daughter and my sons have a small part that they play in making our orders. They also help with marketing and telling me what they like and don’t like.
I’m a third generation entrepreneur in my family, so it’s kind of a family tradition to own some type of business. I used to watch my grandfather, who had one of the first Black-owned gas stations in Hampton Roads, as a really little kid. I’ve always liked the idea of hopefully passing that entrepreneurial spirit down to my kids.
Photo courtesy of Fresh Cup Coffee & Tea/Jarod Foreman
What advice do you have for other Black small business owners?
Continue learning. Learn to be patient. Learn to not expect everyone to support what you’re doing, but don’t take offense to it. Continue to grow your circle.
What are some of your most popular products? Do you have any personal favorites?
The most popular coffee that we sell is probably the Jamaican Me Crazy Caramel & Vanilla Rum flavored coffee. Another coffee would be the Black Honey Costa Rican Whole Bean. Those two are very, very popular.
For our teas, definitely the (True Honey) Lavender Lemonade and Ginger Lemon.
My favorite, personally, is the Italian Dark Roast Espresso Whole Bean. I like a bold, strong coffee with just a little cream.
When you aren’t working, how do you like to decompress?
I enjoy sitting down and relaxing with a nice book. I also like to Netflix and chill. I love Betty White. I can watch her when I want to get my spirits up.
To learn more about Fresh Cup Coffee & Tea, visit FreshCup2U.com.