Forget Starbucks—when I’m at Disney, my coffee loyalty belongs to Joffrey’s!
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea is the official coffee of Disney Parks, and there’s a magical reason for that. Plus, the line is often shorter than Starbucks, so you can grab your caffeine fix faster and avoid any potential Disney-induced meltdowns. Curious about how Joffrey’s became such a huge part of the Disney experience? Let’s dive into the enchanting origin story behind this beloved coffee brand!
The Origins of Joffrey’s Coffee
Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea wasn’t always the star of Disney Parks. In fact, before becoming a household name, Joffrey’s started as a humble roastery in Tampa, Florida, back in 1984.
Operating out of a small, two-room shop with an antique pre-WWII roaster, Joffrey’s was just a local gem. The company’s Head Roastmaster and Chief Operations Officer, Chris de Mezzo, ran the operation with a passion for quality, using only specialty-grade Arabica beans—an elite designation held by less than 10% of beans produced worldwide.
So how did a small roaster from Tampa become the official coffee for Disney? It all started with a serendipitous call from the Mouse himself. A Disney chef, who had become a fan of Joffrey’s coffee, began secretly serving it in his restaurant despite Disney’s existing agreement with Nescafé. Over time, this chef managed to persuade Disney executives to give Joffrey’s a chance.
The Magical Disney Connection
In 1995, Joffrey’s received a call that would change their destiny. De Mezzo was initially shocked and even skeptical, thinking it might be a prank.
He recalls, “When I took that call back in the day, my uniform was a t-shirt, cut-off jean shorts, and high-top sneakers. I had one clean-cut shirt and one tie that I had gotten for Christmas from my wife and infant daughter.” De Mezzo’s first meeting with Disney was attended in that very cartoon-themed tie, a detail that might have seemed out of place but didn’t hinder his chance to secure the deal.
The partnership began with a small trial at Typhoon Lagoon, where de Mezzo showed up with a U-Haul truck full of supplies and his own cart. “Thank god it went well,” de Mezzo says, “because they expected us to meet certain revenue targets.” The success of this initial venture was just the beginning.
Joffrey’s quickly expanded to Blizzard Beach and other locations, each new cart surpassing Disney’s expectations.
Becoming Disney’s Official Coffee
In 2012, the relationship between Joffrey’s and Disney became official. Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea is now the exclusive coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club. So, whether you’re enjoying a brew at Disney’s parks or staying at a Disney resort, it’s Joffrey’s coffee that’s fueling your magical adventures.
Your Joffrey’s Fix at Home
If you’re craving that delicious Joffrey’s coffee at home, you can order your favorite blends directly here and bring a bit of Disney magic to your everyday coffee routine.
Whether it’s the rich history or the delightful taste, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea has truly become a cornerstone of the Disney Parks experience. Enjoy your coffee and keep the magic brewing!
Do you have a favorite Joffrey’s blend that you can’t get enough of while at Disney Parks? Share your top picks in the comments!
