Cleveland Cold Brew - Try the Coffee People Purchased by the Gallon!

Posted on 10/18/21 by Becky in Greater Circle Business Alliance

*UPDATE* Cleveland Cold Brew has closed their storefront, but are still operating an online store!

Karen Ross knows what good coffee should taste like. When she opened her first coffee shop, Zanzabar Coffee & Espresso Bar, one of her signature drinks was a mocha “toddy” that was an instant hit with customers. Years later, when cold brew coffee became the new “it” coffee drink, Karen realized the process to make cold brew was like that of her mocha toddy. Thus, Cleveland Cold Brew came about.

Cold brew coffee is made with coarse-ground coffee beans that are allowed to sit for 12-24 hours. Doing so removes the acidity and bitterness out of the brew, leaving a very smooth and slightly sweet cup of coffee. Karen started brewing, bottling, and selling the coffee around the region. Her product soon gained a cult-like following at farmer’s markets and festivals. “People used to buy it by the gallon!” Karen said with a smile.

In 2019 Karen got an opportunity to open a full-service coffee shop in Glenville as part of Mayor Frank Jackson’s Neighborhood Transformation Retail Incubator program inside the new GlenVillage complex. “It was like a Shark Tank experience,” she said. “Applicants met with judges and pitched their businesses. Once we were selected, the City paid for the build-out and fixtures.”

Cleveland Cold Brew’s brick-and-mortar location opened in January 2020 only to run into dual obstacles of a COVID-19 shutdown and construction along E. 105thStreet. Since that time, things have started to bounce back, and Karen has added pastries and freshly made sandwiches to her menu. She stated “It’s great seeing people become regulars. We are here to serve the community!”

Cleveland Cold Brew is located at 1400 E. 105th Street. Street parking is available around the building. To learn more, visit clevelandcoldbrew.com.