What Sip & Sonder does

Sip & Sonder is a specialty coffee company founded in 2017 by Shanita Nicholas and Amanda-Jane Thomas and structured as a Black women-owned brand. Its operations span an in-house roastery, branded coffeehouses, venue-anchored retail bars, an e-commerce storefront for whole-bean and merchandise SKUs, a wholesale program for cafés and hospitality partners, and a community/events programming layer branded around an In Residence and Sonder Impact nonprofit arm. The company sells its own roasted coffees directly to consumers via retail and e-commerce, and to businesses through wholesale and venue partnerships (notably the Los Angeles Music Center and Downtown Disney in Anaheim).

The business has historically been anchored by an Inglewood, California flagship that combined café, roastery, and co-working/event space; that flagship closed at the end of 2025 amid rising operating costs. Active retail now comprises the Downtown Disney kiosk, the Music Center coffee bar, and a recurring Mexico City pop-up (Sacred Grounds, launched October 2025). The product line has expanded beyond core roasted coffee into limited-edition drops under The Drop collaboration program, with the first edition co-created with artist Autumn Breon in Fall 2025.

The model is a hybrid of direct-to-consumer retail (coffeehouses and e-commerce), B2B wholesale, and venue-partner revenue share, supplemented by merchandise and event-driven sales. The company is privately held, bootstrapped, and operates with a small team (11–50 employees). Distribution is concentrated in Southern California with one international pop-up test, and brand storytelling emphasizes cultural identity, community programming, and curated creative collaborations rather than price-led competition.

Name

Sip & Sonder

Legal name

Coffeepreneur LLC

Website

https://sipandsonder.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sip & Sonder is a Black women-owned specialty coffee company founded in 2017 that operates branded coffeehouses, venue-partner bars, an in-house roastery, e-commerce, and wholesale distribution, selling roasted coffee, merchandise, and curated creative collabs to consumers and hospitality partners in Southern California and select pop-ups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee

NAICS

Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars (722515), Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Coffee Shops (Single-Origin, Third-Wave) (THAFADAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Coffee & Tea Retail (Beans, Leaves, Accessories) (CRAHAGAI)

Keywords

• Specialty coffee roasting
• Coffeehouse retail
• Direct trade coffee
• Wholesale coffee distribution
• Branded coffee merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Inglewood

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, Others

Revenue model

1. Retail Coffeehouse Sales: Physical coffeehouse locations serving specialty coffee, drinks, and food. The flagship Inglewood location served as the primary physical retail presence before closing December 31, 2025, with the Music Center kiosk remaining operational
2. Wholesale Coffee: B2B wholesale coffee sales to other businesses through their wholesale program, emphasizing direct trade relationships and quality of life for producers
3. E-commerce / Online Store: Direct-to-consumer online sales of coffee beans, drinkware, accessories, apparel, and gift cards through their website
4. Gift Cards: Digital and physical gift cards sold online (starting at $25) for gifting occasions
5. Merchandise: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, limited edition items), accessories (enamel pins, satin scarves), and drinkware
6. Disneyland / Downtown Disney Location: Physical retail presence at Downtown Disney Parkside Market, expanding brand visibility and sales through Disney partnership

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sip & Sonder is a Black women-owned specialty coffee company that operates an in-house roastery and coffeehouse locations serving direct-trade coffee, alongside a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store selling coffee beans, branded apparel and accessories, and gift cards. The brand also operates a wholesale coffee program for hospitality and retail partners, and integrates community programming, events, and artist residencies into its retail locations as part of its cultural platform.

Product overview

Sip & Sonder is a global Black women-owned coffee brand operating a portfolio of specialty coffeehouses, a coffee roastery, and digital content spaces. The core offering centers on specialty coffee (retail whole bean and wholesale) roasted in-house with direct trade, sustainable sourcing from communities of color globally. The company extends its brand through experiential retail: apparel and accessories (t-shirts, enamel pins, satin scarves), gift cards, and limited-edition seasonal collabs via its 'The Drop' program. Community engagement is a central pillar, delivered through events programming, an artist residency (In Residence), the Sonder Gallery exhibition space, a community hotline (Black Coffee Hotline), curated music playlists, and its nonprofit arm (Sonder Impact). The brand's narrative centers Black diasporic experiences, telling the stories of stakeholders at origin. Notable that the founding Inglewood flagship closed in December 2025 after nearly seven years, with a Music Center outpost and a Downtown Disney location (opened January 2024) remaining operational.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sonder Impact: 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate (formerly LA Black Investors Club) committed to empowering Black communities to take ownership of their personal and professional capacity building through programs and initiatives.
• The Drop
• In Residence at Sip & Sonder

Products and services

• Specialty Coffee Beans (Retail) Specialty whole-bean coffee sold directly to consumers online and in-store. Roasted in-house at Sip & Sonder's roastery with direct trade sourcing from communities of color globally using sustainable, traceable, and intentional practices. Offerings include single-origin and blended roasts.
• Wholesale Coffee Program B2B wholesale coffee program supplying restaurants, cafes, retailers, and entertainment venues with direct-trade specialty coffee. Emphasizes traceable sourcing, quality coffee profile, and quality of life for producers. Prospective partners submit inquiries via an online wholesale form.
• Coffeehouse Locations Physical coffeehouse locations serving specialty coffee, drinks, and food while functioning as third spaces for community, creativity, and cultural programming. Operates as an entrepreneurial hub, gallery space, and creative workspace for Black and Brown communities.
• Gift Cards E-gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100 for online purchases at sipandsonder.com. Sold as digital codes redeemable at checkout.
• Branded Apparel Branded apparel line including 100% heavyweight cotton t-shirts made in Los Angeles, celebrating coffee culture and the brand's cultural identity. Available in select colorways as limited editions.
• Branded Accessories Limited-edition branded accessories including enamel pins created in collaboration with BIPOC artists and the Pinfolk Black woman-owned boutique studio, as well as satin scarves with custom artwork depicting traditional coffee ceremonies between Mexican and Ethiopian ancestors.
• The Drop (Seasonal Collaboration Series) A seasonal limited-edition collaboration program pairing cultural leaders with a signature drink and physical or digital product. Each season features a new voice, new drink, and new drop. Marketed as 'Limited Collabs. Infinite Culture.' Past partners include Autumn Breon for Fall 2025.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Coffeepreneur LLC (Legal Entity)coreOthersCoffeepreneur LLC is the legal operating entity for Sip & Sonder, owning and operating the brand, coffeehouses, and e-commerce operations.
• Sonder ImpactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSonder Impact (formerly LA Black Investors Club) is Sip & Sonder's 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate, empowering Black communities through professional and personal development initiatives, entrepreneurship programs, and capacity building.
• Tostador 1coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexico City-based coffee roaster partner for the Sacred Grounds pop-up and Native Mezcla blend production. Roasts the Ethiopia-Mexico coffee blend in Mexico City.
• Disney/Disney+coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership including Disney+ content features, Downtown Disney retail location at Parkside Market, and co-branded activations including The Proud Family pop-up. Major brand partnership with significant visibility.
• Firebrand Creative HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign partner creating brand identity, website design, and custom artwork including Sacred Grounds Satin Scarf illustrations and Downtown Disney installations. Founded by Schessa Garbutt, Belizean-American designer/storyteller.
• Mariane Ibrahim GalleryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexico City gallery partner hosting The GATHERING events for Sacred Grounds pop-up, including multiple experiential programming sessions.
• Air JordanminorGTM or Marketing Partner'HERE FOR A REASON' campaign collaboration featuring Sip & Sonder branding and activations at Jordan brand events.
• SweetgreenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partnership and co-branded activations, highlighting Sip & Sonder as preferred coffee partner.
• Adidas/Black AmbitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdidas Black Ambition program partnership supporting Black entrepreneurs with events and programming at Sip & Sonder.
• The Proud Family (Disney)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisney+ The Proud Family pop-up activation at Sip & Sonder Inglewood location featuring themed drinks, merchandise, and community events.
• Lakers, Clippers, ChargersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple Juneteenth activations and partnerships with LA sports teams including Lakers, Clippers, and Chargers.
• Beats by DreminorGTM or Marketing Partner'#FlowersForBlackWomen' campaign collaboration celebrating and supporting Black women entrepreneurs.
• American ExpressminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmerican Express spotlight on Black women-owned small businesses, featured at Billboard Women in Music awards.
• VansminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand collaboration and co-branded activations.
• Autumn BreonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtist partner for Fall 2025 'The Drop' collaboration, creating Everyday Oracle tarot-style deck and The Spellbinder limited-edition drink.
• Black Women SpinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative partner 'In Residence' for 4Q 2025, hosting DJ education and empowerment programming including Camp Frequency events.
• ReedMore Little LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiterary organization hosting monthly 'Lit Lounge' silent book club events at Sip & Sonder Inglewood.
• Love, Peace & SpadesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCard game community organization hosting 'Love, Blends & Bid Whist' monthly game nights and tournaments.
• Black Women Healing PodcastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health podcast hosting community healing circles 'Sonder & Soul' at Sip & Sonder.
• Empowerment Congress & Days of DialogueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivic engagement organizations hosting 'Espresso & Empowerment' community conversations at Sip & Sonder.
• The Music CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPermanent retail kiosk at Walt Disney Concert Hall, bringing Sip & Sonder coffee to Music Center visitors and concert-goers.
• PinfolkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlack woman-owned boutique enamel pin studio collaborating on limited-edition enamel pins with BIPOC artists.
• Loveis WiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultidisciplinary artist who designed the limited-edition JOY enamel pin in collaboration with Sip & Sonder and Pinfolk.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Blue Bottle Coffee: Large-scale specialty coffee roaster and cafe chain with broad geographic reach and similar third-wave coffee positioning. Sets the bar for what scaled specialty coffee looks like and competes for the same conscious consumer.
• Intelligentsia Coffee: Pioneering third-wave specialty coffee roaster with cafes and a national wholesale program. Direct competitor in the premium direct-trade wholesale and cafe segments.
• La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Specialty coffee roaster operating cafes, wholesale, and DTC channels nationally. Comparable hybrid roaster-cafe-DTC business model and a competitor for hospitality wholesale partnerships.
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Established specialty coffee roaster with cafes and broad wholesale distribution, owned by a major beverage conglomerate. Represents the scaled incumbent comparable for direct trade and cafe hybrid model.

Direct peers

• Go Get Em Tiger: LA-based specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator with multiple locations across Los Angeles. Most direct geographic and conceptual peer to Sip & Sonder's coffeehouse-plus-roastery model.
• Verve Coffee Roasters: California-originated specialty coffee roaster with cafes and a national wholesale program. Comparable in scale, third-wave positioning, and combination of retail coffeehouses plus DTC e-commerce.
• Equator Coffees: California-based specialty coffee roaster with cafes and wholesale accounts, strong direct-trade program and B-Corp positioning. Directly comparable wholesale + cafe business model in the same regional market.
• Red Bay Coffee: Black-owned specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator based in Oakland, California, focused on community, quality, and representation in coffee. Highly comparable mission-driven model and direct-trade sourcing approach.
• Blk & Bold: Black-owned specialty coffee and tea company focused on community impact, sold primarily through wholesale, e-commerce, and big-box retail. Most comparable Black-owned direct-to-consumer coffee brand competing for the same mission-driven consumer.

Regional players

• Café Con Leche: Latinx-owned specialty coffee shop and roaster operating in New York with cultural programming similar to Sip & Sonder's community-first model. Conceptually very comparable but operates on the East Coast.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/sipandsonder
• Xx.com/SipandSonder
• Facebookfacebook.com/SipandSonder
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sipandsonder

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 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 Sip & Sonder