CHS teams up with drive-thru coffee chain
Member Services
November 1, 2006
Your quick trip to the co-op may soon become a coffee run, as well. CHS Inc. has formed a joint venture with Mountain Mudd, LLC, which operates drive-through coffee kiosks in 22 states.
Always on the lookout for new ways to provide cooperative customers with better products and services, as well as to take advantage of prime market opportunities, this new pairing offers lots of synergies, says Rick Cummings, director of marketing and retail development, CHS Refined Fuels. “We’re always looking for other profit centers for our convenience stores, and since the specialty coffee market is one of the fastest growing segments of the coffee business, this seemed like a great opportunity for both companies. Our trade territories overlap nicely, as well,” he says.
Mountain Mudd Espresso, was founded 13 years ago in Billings, Mont., by Brenda and Dennis Burkhartsmeier, and now has over 70 branded specialty coffee kiosks around the country. Under the agreement, the couple will continue to manage and operate the business.
“This involvement with Mountain Mudd kiosks provides a new way for both convenience stores and other businesses to expand their retail offerings, while bringing customers a quality product in a convenient form,” adds Cummings. “After all, who doesn’t like a good latte when you’re on the road or out and about.”