Our story starts in a small town in New England where Willis and Allen met and have been best friends ever since. Both of our fathers have a long lineage of success in the foodservice industry. Allen's father has owned and successfully operated a seafood importing/exporting and distribution company in New York City for over thirty years while Willis' father has been the master roaster and owner of Schapira's Coffee and Tea for over thirty years, as well. Since 1903, Schapira's has been roasting unique and excellent coffees and keeping customers extremely satisfied.

It was only natural for two 15 year old boys to dream of somehow incorporating their two family businesses. Ten years later, we have done just that. Allen has been working in the food business since 2006 and has enjoyed success working for Val's Ocean Pacific Seafood.  Willis had been working in Boston as a corporate headhunter, but saw the potential in joining his father roasting coffee and growing the business.

With the both of us working with our families, we saw a window and decided it was time to pursue our dream and open up the doors to Winchell Mountain Coffee.  With Willis learning the art of roasting and Allen learning the ins and outs of the business from his father, Winchell Mountain Coffee came to life.

When we first started thinking about the potential to merge the two business concepts together, it was nothing more than two kids dreaming big--I mean, seafood and coffee? They did not seem to flow, but in reality, there were some very important overlaps. Val's Ocean Pacific Seafood has always sold and serviced the best of the best in and around New York City while holding itself to a standard of excellence. Schapira's, for over a century, has bought and roasted only the most unique and quality beans. The two quality focused companies opted to let the younger, less experienced generation take the reigns and pay their dues in hopes of the duo achieving the same success that older generations have enjoyed.

We hope that everyone enjoys our coffee.