Rockford-based Fire Dept. Coffee offering curbside caffeine fixes for local customers

In need of help with a fire or medical crisis, just call and first responders will rush to you.

In Rockford, this applies to caffeine, too.

Fire Dept. Coffee, a Rockford-based coffee company operated by active and retired firefighters, has launched a new curbside carryout service for bulk coffee orders. A cafe is coming next fall.

Curbside carryout comes just in time for the holidays. Customers seeking any one of a variety of Fire Dept. coffees or firefighting-themed merchandise for themselves or as a gift for others can just drive to the company's fulfillment center at 811 W. Riverside Blvd. and park in one of three designated spots. Staff members will take it from there.

Randy James, a Rockford Fire Department driver/engineer who serves as Fire Dept. Coffee's director of brand relations, explained how the service works:

"You stay in your car, call us (779-772-4707 or text 'HERE'), and our customer service team will come out with an iPad and will help you process your order in the parking lot," he said. "Once the payment goes through, they'll run inside, fill your order and bring it out to you."

More:Rockford-based Fire Dept. Coffee has got something brewing — its first cafe

In addition to promotional discounts and "surprise swag for kids," James said drive-up shoppers will receive a coupon for a free regular coffee with every drive-up order. The coupon can be redeemed at Fire Dept. Coffee’s first cafe when it opens to the public in the fall of 2023.

Fire Dept. Coffee is primarily an e-commerce operation as coffees and merchandise is shipped around the country and internationally, but James said this service is geared toward local customers looking for convenience and an elimination on shipping costs.

"This was a project that we took on just for our local people," he said. "This is solely for our neighbors and the people here in Rockford or the surrounding area."

The fulfillment center is open for pull-up orders weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is closed on Sundays.

Fire Department Coffee was founded in 2016 by firefighter/paramedic and U.S. Navy veteran Luke Schneider. FDC is a certified veteran-owned business dedicated to handcrafting coffee and supporting first responders. A growing assortment of ground, whole bean, single-serve pods, and ready-to-drink coffee is roasted in Rockford by a team of firefighters, first responders, and coffee experts.

In 2018, the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation was established to give back to first responders who have become sick or injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.

For more information about Fire Dept. Coffee and its products or the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation, visit www.firedeptcoffee.com.

Editor's Note: The phone number for curbside service has been updated in this story.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstart.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Fire Dept. Coffee expanding Rockford service, opening cafe in fall