Grounds for Good: Saddle & Cycle Club Coffee

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Saddle & Cycle Club created a limited-release, custom-labeled coffee program available for member purchase and featured at select Club events. The program enhances Club operations by introducing a signature retail item that strengthens member engagement and reinforces the Club’s community impact and sustainability values. Each coffee release is selected for its philanthropic or environmental story, including a women-produced Colombian coffee that supports a network of small farms and a Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certified coffee that promotes organic, shade-grown practices and habitat preservation. The Club partnered with Cora Italian Specialties, a long-standing Chicago roaster, which also supports a trusted local vendor relationship and provides a consistent, high-quality product aligned with the Club’s standards.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The Club implemented the program by selecting mission-aligned coffees in collaboration with the roaster and developing a consistent edition format that includes custom Saddle & Cycle labels and clear story-based descriptions. The coffee was then introduced as a member purchase offering and incorporated into key event moments to broaden exposure and reinforce the mission behind each release. Member response has been very positive, particularly to the philanthropic and sustainability aspects and the exclusivity of a custom-labeled Club product. Members have expressed appreciation for being able to purchase high-quality coffee with a meaningful story and for seeing it featured as part of the overall Club experience.