Back in 1993, Vicki and Doug Wilson travelled to Door County, Wisconsin to visit friends. While driving through the area just North of Sturgeon’s Bay, they noticed there were no local coffee shops. Other industries like candy, candles, wine, and cheese were thriving, but the community was lacking a cafe spot. The couple went on to research and learn all there is to know about coffee and running a business and eventually brought to life Door County Coffee and Tea Company in 1993.
The Wilson’s were the perfect pair to start up a business. Doug is an engineer and Vicki had worked in sales as a buyer. The first location they chose was in Forestville. The Wilson Family’s extensive research found them purchasing only the best of the best coffee beans – Specialty Class 1 Arabica Beans. These beans are in the top 2% in the world and grown in specific conditions. The family roasts their coffee beans with a specialized process called Fluidized Air Bed Roasting, taught to them by Michael Sivetz who created the style. The coffee shop and its online counterpart have more than 100 varieties of coffee!
Door County’s first coffee bean delivery and roast was put into play and completed by Vicki and Doug. The couple was soon joined by their sons Doug Jr. and Conrad who became new employees, learning the ropes of coffee roasting. After a few successful years, Door County Coffee moved to what has now become a 40,000 sq/ft building in Carlsville. They now have more roasting space, more machines, and 65 employees all while remaining family owned and operated.
The Wilson family has brought a great vibe and sense of family to Door County. Grab a cup of joe with your friends and family on the outdoor cafe patio on a nice day, or bundle up inside while browsing the Gift Shop. The cafe offers an array of breakfast and lunch bites and also has online ordering available for those on the go. We tried the delicious bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and their famous chocolate chip cookies. If you visit on a weekday, you can take a peek at the roasting process in action.
If you aren’t able to make it up to Door County, check out their online shop where you can have fresh coffee delivered right to your door! They have fun flavors like Espresso Martini, Wisconsin Cherry Pie (an ode to the recent Christmas Movie), Candy Cane Coffee and many more.
Door County Coffee and Tea Company is open 7 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Breakfast items are served from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch items are served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pay a visit to Door County’s first cafe!