Joyful Brews

Joyful Brews

From Gridiron to Grounds, the Inspiration Behind Kuppa Joy

Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos Provided by Kuppa Joy

Kuppa Joy isn’t just about serving great coffee; it's about fostering a sense of community and spreading joy. At the heart of this mission is a strong spiritual foundation with a passion to serve a message of hope throughout the valley and beyond.

Zack Follett, the founder of Kuppa Joy, has a story that’s as inspiring as the coffee shop he created. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Zack played football for Fresno State and went on to join the Detroit Lions in the NFL. However, his career took a significant turn when he suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit during a game. He was momentarily paralyzed, and after undergoing rehab, it was determined to be a careerending injury. At 24 years old, most of his identity was tied to being a football player, and he found himself searching for meaning and purpose beyond the gridiron.

Embracing his faith more fully, it was at a coffee shop during a trip abroad that Zack felt called to create a space where people could experience joy and connection through something as simple as a cup of coffee. Fired with passion, his vision materialized into Kuppa Joy, with its first location opening in Clovis in 2012. Kuppa Joy now has eight locations throughout the valley with the most recent opening in Visalia as a joy-thru.

Each cafe and drive-thru are designed to be a welcoming and uplifting experience, encouraging meaningful interactions and a sense of belonging. Baristas and staff aren’t just trained to serve coffee, but to serve people with kindness and respect, embodying the spirit of love and community. A testament to this mission was evident when Zack encountered a struggling man on the streets. He took the time to share a cup of coffee with him, listen to his story, and offer encouragement. That simple act of kindness profoundly impacted the man's life, inspiring him to overcome addiction, pursue education, and turn his life around. This experience is a testament to how a compassionate gesture like a kuppa coffee can transform lives and underscores the power of human connection in fostering positive change.

With all of these efforts and more, Kuppa Joy has become more than just a coffee shop. Through compassion, a friendly smile or supportive conversation, each location aims to make a spiritual impact, reminding everyone that joy can be found and shared, one cup at a time.

kuppajoy.com | @kuppajoycoffee

Joy-Thru: 108 S Akers St, Visalia | Mon-Sat 6am-7pm

Cafe: 1375 Draper St, Kingsburg | Mon-Sat 7am-6pm