Invited Coffee Is Connecting Community, Art, and Coffee!
“When you enter most specialty coffee shops, you have your African coffees from Ethiopia or Kenya, or you have your South American coffees from Brazil or Colombia. And then you look behind the counter, and there’s nobody resembling Black or Brown. Why is this?” says Fred Derilus.
Fred was a bartender for years in the city. In the daytime, however, he would always find himself in a coffee shop. He always loved coffee but was enticed to go into various coffee shops because of the culture, raw community, and artistic expression.
Returning to Newark, Fred was always bummed that his choices were limited to almost non-existent. In Newark, there aren’t many coffee places you can visit for an experience. Most people in the area have two options- Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks.
After almost 5 years planning, Fred created Invited Coffee not only to deliver great-tasting specialty coffee to his people but to educate all communities on where coffee originates and the importance of black and brown communities contribution to the coffee industry.
Invited Coffee looks to connect community, art, and coffee. The coffee company currently serves up its Neighborhood Blend coffee and a 3-liter cold brew coffee blend of Central and South American coffees roasted to a medium-dark profile for a traditional cold brew flavor. The cold brew coffee box also features beautiful artwork by local artist Jay Golding.
We caught up with Fred to discuss his business Invited Coffee, his journey as an entrepreneur, and much more!
What was the hardest thing for you to get started?
The hardest thing for me to get started was definitely gaining the knowledge. Getting into the coffee industry was a struggle. I didn’t have a mentor, so I tried seeking knowledge by working as a barista. However, I could not get in anywhere. Instead of getting deterred, I read blogs and literally went to every and any coffee events I could to network and grow connections.
Describe your day as a business owner.
I wake up and go through my normal morning routine. After breakfast, I head over to social media. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many markets and in-person events have all been canceled. Social media is honestly the best way for me to continue making connections. Throughout the day I’m checking my DM and emails for orders. Once, I have enough orders I map out a route to make in-person deliveries for any local orders. Once I complete my deliveries, I then work on my business organization. I also try to find time at least once a week to connect with my mentor Lou V., who has been in the coffee industry his whole life. Learning from others has been a real gift to me.
How is your business impacting people/the community for the better?
Invited Coffee looks to connect community, art, and of course coffee. I want my brand to act as a conduit, connecting specialty coffee to my community. My brand also sees the importance of uplifting artists! My coffee packaging features local artist, Jay Golding. I think it is important to give artists a platform in which they can gain revenue and exposure. In the future, I am looking to collaborate with many other artists.
What do you think about Makerhoods?
Makerhoods is amazing! Makerhoods has the potential to make a much-needed impact and become Newark’s entrepreneurial hub. The business coaching, support, and entrepreneurial community aspect is unmatched and should be adopted in many parts of the U.S.
What advice would you tell any self-starting entrepreneur?
Just start! Stop trying to be perfect. Lastly, know your why.
Anthony Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
After graduating college and returning back to my hometown of Newark, NJ I became a member of the Newark Makerhoods team. This transformative experience put me in touch with many local entrepreneurs who are all in different business stages, ranging from established to upstart. Newark is a thriving city for talented creators. I'm here to share their stories and launch their business to the everyday public’s eye.