What Summer Moon Coffee does

Summer Moon Coffee is a Texas-based, family-founded specialty coffee company established in 2002 in the Texas Hill Country. It operates as a wholesaler and retailer of coffee and signature sweet cream, with a stated headcount of 251-500 employees spanning baristas, roasters, fulfillment, food production, marketing, and corporate roles. The company is headquartered and roasts at 1800 Elder Hill Road, Driftwood, Texas, and runs four company-owned retail locations across Texas (two in Austin at South 1st Street and Burnet Road, one in San Antonio on Culebra Road, and one in Frisco in the Dallas area).

The company's core differentiator is a wood-fired oak roasting process executed in hand-built brick roasters using seasoned Texas oak, which it claims produces coffee with greater body and lower acidity than modern gas-fired roasting. Roasters are trained to control the process using sight, sound, and smell. The second key asset is Moon Milk, a registered trademark signature sweet cream made from 7 top-secret ingredients, developed as a family recipe and offered dairy-free via oat, almond, or coconut milk bases. The product portfolio spans 13+ whole-bean roasts and blends (including the Velvet Blaze 7-origin signature blend, En Fuego, Spark half-caff, Afterglow, Fireside, Inferno, Blue Blazes, Swinging Lantern, Sweet Hearth, Billowing, Glowing Ember, Firelight decaf via the Swiss Water Process, and a limited 24th Anniversary Blend), K-Cup pod formats, curated bundles, the Brew of the Month subscription at $18.95/month, branded merchandise and apparel, and ceramic pour over sets co-developed with artisan partner Black Oak Art. The website is powered by Shopify and an order-ahead mobile app is available on iOS and Android; online shipping is US-only with free shipping over $45.

Summer Moon makes money through four primary streams: in-store retail coffee and food sales (with locally sourced breakfast tacos, pastries, and donuts), US e-commerce sales of beans, pods, bundles, merchandise, and subscriptions, a $18.95/month coffee subscription, and franchise fees and royalties from franchisees operating outside Texas (no Texas franchises are granted). Pricing is positioned in the premium specialty tier (12 oz bags at $17.95-$21.95, 5 lb bags at $105.95, bundles at $39-$50, pour over sets at $75-$85). Marketing is concentrated in organic social (Instagram, Facebook, Vimeo), email newsletters, and content marketing through brew guides and maker stories. The company remains privately held with no disclosed institutional funding or parent company.

Name

Summer Moon Coffee

Legal name

Summer Moon Coffee

Website

https://summermooncoffee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Texas-based specialty coffee company founded in 2002 that roasts coffee over Texas oak in hand-built brick roasters. It sells its signature Moon Milk sweet cream and oak roasted coffee through four Texas retail locations, e-commerce, subscriptions, and a growing franchise program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee Retail

NAICS

Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Coffee Roasters with Cafe (Roastery Cafes) (THAFADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI), Specialty Coffee & Tea (Single-Origin, Micro-lot, Premium) Processing (AFAFADAJ), Cafe-Bakeries (Coffee + Pastry Focus) (THAFADAG)

Keywords

• Specialty coffee retail
• Oak roasted coffee
• Coffee subscription service
• Coffee shop franchise
• Branded coffee merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Coffee Sales (In-Store): Company-owned coffee shop locations offering drinks made with oak roasted coffee and signature Moon Milk. Locations provide food options sourced from local vendors including breakfast tacos, pastries, and donuts. Free WiFi available at all locations.
2. E-commerce (Online Coffee Beans & Merchandise): Online store selling whole bean coffee, ground coffee, single-serve pods, merchandise (apparel, drinkware, candles, bags), gift cards, and bundles. Orders ship within the US only. Coffee is roasted to order.
3. Coffee Subscription: Brew of the Month subscription program delivering coffee automatically weekly or every other week. Subscription can be managed via contact form.
4. Franchise Fees: Franchise opportunities for experienced food service and small business operators. Limited opportunities available outside Texas. Franchisees cultivate the brand with new store development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Summer Moon Coffee roasts and sells specialty oak roasted coffee beans, single-serve pods, and signature Moon Milk sweet cream through company-owned retail cafes in Texas, a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store, a mobile ordering app, and a franchise program. The company also sells branded merchandise, brewing accessories, and bundles, and offers a recurring coffee subscription service.

Product overview

Summer Moon Coffee is a Texas-based specialty coffee company offering oak roasted coffee beans and brewing products through both retail locations and an e-commerce platform. The core product portfolio includes single-origin and blended coffee beans (Velvet Blaze signature blend, En Fuego, Inferno dark roast, Fireside Colombia, Swinging Lantern tri-roast, Sweet Hearth Honduras, Billowing Ethiopia, Glowing Ember Guatemala, Blue Blazes Bali, Afterglow light roast, Spark half-caff, Firelight decaf) available in whole bean (12oz, 5lb) and single-serve K-Cup pod formats. The company also offers curated bundles (Everyday Essentials, Coffee Explorer, Global Coffee Trio, Coffee Anytime, Red, White & Brewed, Anniversary Favorites) and brewing accessories including Black Oak Art ceramic pour overs and the Daily Pour Complete Starter Set. A subscription service delivers coffee on recurring schedules. The merchandise line includes branded apparel, drinkware, candles, journals, and tote bags. Signature menu items at physical locations center on Moon Milk, the company's proprietary sweet cream. Coffee shops operate in Austin (South and North), San Antonio, and Dallas-Frisco with franchise opportunities outside Texas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Moon Milk®: Summer Moon's signature sweet cream, a family recipe made of 7 top-secret ingredients. It complements the oak roasted undertones of their coffees and is featured in the signature Summer Moon Latte. Can be made dairy-free using oat, almond, or coconut milk.

Products and services

• Velvet Blaze Coffee Signature medium roast blend of seven origins used as the foundation for nearly all in-store drinks, featuring notes of roasted walnut, blackberry, and milk chocolate. Organically grown and oak roasted in hand-built brick ovens. Available in 12oz, 5lb, and K-Cup pod formats.
• En Fuego Coffee Single-origin light-medium roast from the highlands of Mexico, featuring notes of candied roasted pecans with a soft, comforting finish.
• Spark Coffee Half-caffeine blend offering half the caffeine content with full flavor, with honey and citrus tasting notes.
• Afterglow Coffee Light roast from Mexico, featuring bright flavors of grapefruit and orange. The only light roast in the standard selection.
• Fireside Coffee Single-origin Colombian medium roast from Gaitania, Tolima, grown at 1,600-1,900 meters, featuring notes of roasted cinnamon and semi-sweet chocolate. Made from Caturra, Castillo, and Colombia varieties.
• Inferno Coffee Dark roast blend described as the only dark roast option, featuring a commanding note of bold dark chocolate with rich, sweet flavor.
• Blue Blazes Coffee Single-origin from Bali, Indonesia. Medium-dark roast with tropical citrus and dark cocoa tasting notes from the fertile volcanic highlands.
• Swinging Lantern Coffee Tri-roast blend combining light, medium, and dark roasted beans, featuring notes of toasted marshmallow. The only tri-blend in the coffee lineup.
• Sweet Hearth Coffee Medium roast from Honduras highlands featuring spiced dark chocolate flavors with warm undertones.
• Billowing Coffee Medium roast from Ethiopia featuring mild apple, blueberry, and vanilla tasting notes.
• Glowing Ember Coffee Medium roast from Guatemala featuring a sweet and subtle note of toasted brown sugar.
• Firelight Decaf Coffee Decaf blend decaffeinated using the chemical-free Swiss Water Process, featuring sweet and mellow flavors. Available in 12oz and 2 lb sizes.
• 24th Anniversary Blend Limited release medium roast celebrating 24 years in business. Sourced from three origins (Huila Colombia, Huehuetenango Guatemala, Copán Honduras) at elevations of 1,400-2,000 masl. Tasting notes include brownies, cinnamon, and vanilla. Available until sold out online.
• Coffee Pods (K-Cup Format) Single-serve K-Cup pods of Velvet Blaze, Fireside, Afterglow, and Inferno roasts. 12 pods per pack, 100% recyclable, for use in K-Cup brewers. Variety pack includes 3 each of four varieties.
• Coffee Bundles Curated multi-bag sets including Everyday Essentials Bundle, Coffee Explorer Bundle, Global Coffee Trio, Coffee Anytime Bundle, Red White & Brewed Bundle, and Anniversary Favorites Bundle. Prices range $39-$50.
• Brew of the Month Subscription Recurring coffee subscription delivering coffee automatically on a weekly or biweekly schedule at $18.95/month. Customers can skip, add products, or cancel.
• Moon Milk Sweet Cream Signature sweet cream formulation made from 7 top-secret ingredients, used in signature lattes at Summer Moon retail locations. A family recipe developed late into the night under a summer moon. Can be made dairy-free using oat, almond, or coconut milk.
• Black Oak Pour Over Set Handcrafted ceramic pour over exclusively made by Black Oak Art (Waco, Texas) paired with matching Summer Moon mug. Includes 40-pack Hario V60 Size 03 paper filters. $75.
• The Daily Pour Complete Starter Set Ceramic pour over set with Summer Moon mug and Velvet Blaze coffee. Includes Hario V60 filters. $85.
• Fireside Coffee & Camp Cup Bundle Fireside Colombian coffee paired with CamelBak vacuum insulated stainless steel camp cup (16 oz). From $42.95.
• Summer Moon Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise including apparel (T-shirts, hats), drinkware (mugs, tumblers), candles, journals, and tote bags. Features artisan collaborations with Black Oak Art, Deneen Pottery, Wild Susan Company, and Verba Candle Co. Prices range $8.95-$39.95.
• Summer Moon Coffee Franchise Program Franchise opportunities for experienced food service and small business operators to open new Summer Moon stores. No franchise opportunities available in Texas. Limited opportunities available outside Texas.
• Gift Cards Physical gift cards redeemable in-store at Summer Moon Coffee locations. Can be purchased online (physical card mailed) or in-store. Linkable to Summer Moon mobile app.

Quantifiable outcome

• Smooth, balanced coffee with greater body and lower acidity
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Black Oak ArtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas-based, Waco-based artisan company that handcrafts ceramic pour overs and mugs exclusively for Summer Moon Coffee. Each mug is thoughtfully made and features the Summer Moon Coffee logo. The partnership brings craft and community into customers' daily coffee rituals.
• Deneen PotteryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican artisans partnered with Summer Moon to bring craftsmanship, tradition, and intention to everyday coffee rituals through handmade mugs and ceramics.
• Wild Susan CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCandle maker featured in the 'Crafted with Care' series. Creates artisanal candles for Summer Moon's merchandise line, bringing warmth and intention to everyday rituals.
• Verba Candle Co.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHandcrafted candle company partnered with Summer Moon Coffee. Produces candles made with clean ingredients and thoughtful design, including the Hill Country Peach Chai Candle.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Philz Coffee: Cafe-led specialty coffee chain with a strong signature beverage identity (Mint Mojito, etc.). Comparable to Summer Moon's Moon Milk-anchored in-store experience and growing physical footprint.
• Verve Coffee Roasters: Independent specialty roaster with cafes in California and New York plus DTC subscriptions. Similar size, craft focus, and cafe-plus-DTC model to Summer Moon.
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Specialty roaster with cafes and a robust DTC packaged coffee and draft latte business. Comparable to Summer Moon in pairing proprietary beverages with branded retail and online bean/pod sales.
• Blue Bottle Coffee: Premium specialty coffee roaster combining proprietary roast profiles with company-owned cafes and a strong DTC/subscription business. Closely comparable to Summer Moon on craft roasting, cafe-led retail, and DTC focus.
• Counter Culture Coffee: Specialty roaster with a sustainability-led brand and training/education focus sold through DTC, wholesale, and training centers. Overlaps with Summer Moon on craft positioning and education-driven customer acquisition.
• Intelligentsia Coffee: Specialty roaster with a network of cafes and a strong wholesale program to restaurants and offices. Matches Summer Moon's roastery-plus-cafe-plus-wholesale footprint.
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Specialty coffee roaster operating cafes plus wholesale and DTC channels. Same vertical integration (roastery + cafes + packaged goods) and similar emphasis on origin transparency as Summer Moon.

Broad incumbents

• Peet's Coffee: Long-established specialty coffee brand with broad retail, grocery, and cafe presence. Competes with Summer Moon for premium coffee share but operates at materially larger scale and with institutional backing.

Regional players

• Colectivo Coffee: Midwest-based specialty roaster with company-owned cafes and a wholesale program. Comparable vertically integrated model but in a different geography from Summer Moon's Texas base.

Emerging players

• Onyx Coffee Lab: Award-winning specialty roaster competing in the same premium-DTC and competition-coffee space. Similar product mix and quality positioning, though a smaller physical footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/summermoon
• Facebookfacebook.com/sipsummermoon
• Instagraminstagram.com/summermooncoffee
• Xx.com/summermooncb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/summer-moon-coffee-dfw

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Summer Moon Coffee