In 2018, two childhood best friends, Pernell Cezar, a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, and Rod Johnson, a tea aficionado, came together to create what has now been recognized as one of the largest independently owned, social-impact driven coffee brands in the U.S. From inception, BLK & Bold, the first nationally distributed Black-owned coffee company, has been brewed with one main mission: unite coffee and tea lovers through community, specifically youth.
Inspired by many years of conversations between the two friends over cups of coffee, BLK & Bold started with a simple tabletop coffee roaster and a desire to give back. Today, Pernell and Rod are encouraging their customers to let their daily ritual be a resource for our youth. True to their word, they pledge 5% of their gross profits to nonprofit organizations nationwide that are dedicated to giving at-risk youth the resources they neeqd to be the best versions of themselves. Through its For Our Youth initiative, BLK & Bold has contributed over $450,000 to youth-focused nonprofits.
Already available in over 11,000 retail locations across the country, including Target, Whole Foods and Amazon, the Iowa-based company expanded its footprint into Costco in May 2025. Debuting its signature Rise & GRND Medium Roast blend in exclusive 2-pound bags tailored specifically for Costco members, the expansion initially rolled out in nine Midwest locations.
“From day one, this brand was built on the belief that what you consume should reflect what you care about, and this partnership helps us deliver that at scale." – Pernell Cezar, Co-Founder and CEO of BLK & Bold
In 2022, they teamed up with Marvel Studios for a Black Panther: Wakanda Forever collection, featuring reimagined, special-edition packaging celebrating fan-favorite Black Panther characters. In 2024, they spruced up the Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz flavor in what was more than just a partnership, but a celebration of coffee, cream and community vibes, all scooped into one delicious pint. They also recently partnered with SGS, the global leader in testing, inspection and certification, to deepen their commitment to environmental performance, with a focus on climate change. Their journey to strengthening the sustainability of their operation and supply chain is captured in a four-part docuseries called “BLK & Bold: A Journey Rooted in Coffee, Community, and Climate.”
With worldwide shipping available, the brand offers various roasts, as well as cold brew coffee, Keurig K-Cup Pods, and an assortment of teas and merchandise such as tumblers, caps and coffee mugs. BLK & Bold continues to lead by example, demonstrating that conscious consumption is more than just a trend. Pernell and Rod are offering a clear blueprint for integrating social impact into their business model.
