Steeped in
Tradition Eat local drink local & be local
By Lucy Holman ’89 editor
A
s a young boy, Ryan Jones ’11, loved family gatherings on his grandparents’ front porch, sharing stories, usually over a cup of coffee.
These days, his childhood memories are steeped in his Virginia-based company, Lincoln Road Cold Brew Coffee, LLC., a private, family-owned business he started with his sister, Sarah Lawson, and brother-inlaw, Brett Lawson. Coffee has been around for centuries, but the ancient elixir is more than just an energizer or a morning ritual. “It’s a way to bring people together, chat, network and tell stories,” said Jones. “There’s something special about coffee; it brings people together.”
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UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018
For Jones and his partners, the Lincoln Road brand goes to the heart of their Appalachian roots – “Eat local, drink local and be local.” “We source locally as much as we can,” said Jones. “We want our ingredients to be high-quality, non-GMO and start out with freshly roasted, coarsely ground beans. The cold brew is nitrogen infused to extend shelf life and to give it a silky mouth feel. Lincoln Road is a versatile product and makes for a delicious, creamy cup of coffee as well.” Before investing in the growing beverage market, the Lincoln Road team worked with consumer focus groups to develop a cold brew coffee with a low acidic flavor
