Meet Shannon Sanders, Jr. | Coffee Curator & Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Sanders, Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Cape Coast Co. was inspired by my Granddad’s journey and the Cape Coast Coffee House he built and still runs in Ghana. His coffee shop became more than just a business—it’s a place for connection, storytelling, and community. Seeing how meaningful that space was to the people around him sparked the idea to carry that legacy forward and create something that could reach more people.

Building this business has taught me that progress isn’t about perfection but persistence. It’s about embracing challenges, adapting to change, and staying true to the purpose behind your work. For me, that purpose is simple: sharing moments of connection through coffee and celebrating the stories that bring us all together.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Cape Coast Co. is a coffee brand inspired by my Granddad’s Cape Coast Coffee House in Ghana. We focus on crafting bold, smooth coffee that celebrate connection, community, and the rich traditions of coffee. What sets us apart is the deeply personal story behind every product and our commitment to blending heritage with innovation.

Our flagship coffee, Catalyst, features Ghanaian-grown robusta beans, offering bold flavors and a smooth finish. It’s tied to the beans served at my Granddad’s coffee house and represents the foundation of our brand. Then there’s El Jeffe, a mocha-inspired coffee with notes of cocoa and vanilla—a playful nod to my Granddad, Jeff, that reflects the creativity and fun we bring to our offerings.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of coffee sourcing to figuring out logistics and scaling, there’s been a lot to learn. But those challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of staying adaptable. They’ve also made every win, big or small, that much more rewarding.

We’re currently available on Amazon, which allows us to share our coffee with people across the country. Soon, we’ll be introducing fresh bean bags to give coffee lovers even more ways to experience Cape Coast Co. For me, this brand isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating moments where people feel connected. Whether it’s through the story behind our beans or the simple joy of a great can/cup, Cape Coast Co. is about making every moment a little more meaningful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Nashville is growing fast, and there’s always something happening, but one of my favorite things to do is catch a soccer game. The energy and the crowd make it such a good time, and it’s always a fun way to connect with the city.

If my best friend was visiting, we’d definitely have to check out some classics like Peg Leg Porker for barbecue or Printer’s Alley for live music and good vibes. And if they’re feeling adventurous, we could head down to Broadway to take in the energy, catch some live bands, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere. There’s so much to do here, and it’d be a mix of the staples and discovering new spots together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my Granddad, whose Cape Coast Coffee House has been the foundation of my inspiration and the values I bring to Cape Coast Co. His dedication to building a space for connection and community is something I admire deeply and strive to emulate in my work.

I also want to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support. Starting a business is never a straight path, and their encouragement has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and motivated.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the coffee community—from farmers to roasters to enthusiasts. Their passion, creativity, and commitment inspire me every day and push the entire industry forward.

Website: https://www.capecoast.co

Instagram: https://instagram.com/capecoastco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capecoastco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecoastco

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@capecoastco