HOW WE STARTED

Our Story

Hey there, I'm Bernard Keyes Jr, the founder of Who Dat Java. I want to take you on a journey through how it all began, and why we do what we do.

It all started with my mom, a remarkable woman full of love and life. But she's also fighting a tough battle against Parkinson's disease. Watching her face the daily challenges that come with Parkinson's was heart-wrenching, but it was also incredibly inspiring.

One day, I remember sitting down with her, sharing a cup of coffee. It was a small moment. As she took a sip, she looked at me with a smile and said, "You know, this coffee makes everything a little brighter.” It got me thinking — maybe we could use coffee to make a difference in people's lives, just like it did for my mom.

With that concept in my thoughts, I made the decision to launch Who Dat Java. It was a way to support my mom and others like her, who face the daily challenges of Parkinson's. But it was also an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young students, particularly those in HBCU colleges.

I remember the initial moment when I shared my idea with my mom. She gazed at me, tears welling up in her eyes,and uttered,"Bernard, that's a beautiful dream. Let's make it happen.” Her encouragement and excitement were the sole catalysts that propelled me forward.

I started this journey with a clear mission in mind, viewing it as much more than just a business. As I told my friends about it, they said, "Bernard, that's amazing! How do you aim to bring it to life?" I replied, "Simple, we're going to sell the finest coffee beans and teas from around the world, and we're going to use our success to give back.”

As we set out on this journey, we knew we wanted to make our coffee beans and teas the best they could be. We sourced our beans from the world's most renowned coffee regions, ensuring that every bag of Who Dat Java would be a delightful experience.

But it wasn't just about coffee; it was about making a difference. As we started selling our products, I met
customers who shared our vision. One day, a customer inquired, Why "Who Dat Java"? What does it mean?"I smiled and replied, "It serves as a symbol of our interconnectedness, and we can all make a difference. "WhoDat" represents the community, and 'Java' is the heart of it all.”

One day, while I was explaining the idea to my college buddy, he said, "You know, Bernard, education is a powerful tool for change. Why not support students in HBCU colleges?” And I thought, "Why not indeed?” That's when our mission expanded. We wanted to provide opportunities for those bright young minds to flourish in historically Black colleges and universities.

With every bag of coffee beans or tea you purchase, you're not just enjoying a delicious cup; you're joining us on our mission. A portion of our proceeds goes toward supporting students in HBCU colleges, creating opportunities for their dreams to come true. And we're not stopping there; we're also contributing to research and initiatives dedicated to Parkinson's disease.

My mom's words still echo in my mind. With Who Dat Java, we're brewing not just coffee but warmth, hope, and change — one cup at a time.

Thank you for choosing Who Dat Java and being part of this story. With you by our side, we're more than just coffee; we're brewing hope, love, and change. Here's to Mom, to dreams, and to leaving a positive mark.