They’re proving, once again, that purpose and product can go hand in hand!
BLK & Bold®, the trailblazing Black-owned specialty coffee company just announced its expansion into Costco, bringing its signature Rise & GRND Medium Roast blend to nine select locations across the Midwest starting May 19th.
Founded in 2018 by childhood friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold has grown from a kitchen table dream into the largest independently owned, social impact-driven coffee brand in the country. Their mission? Simple but powerful: combine premium, ethically sourced coffee with a commitment to uplifting the community. And they’ve backed that up, donating 5% of their gross profits to nonprofit organizations supporting at-risk youth, an initiative that’s already generated more than $450,000.
“Costco represents a partner that values quality, scale, and community connection, all things that align deeply with how we built BLK & Bold,” said CEO and co-founder Pernell Cezar via statement. “From day one, this brand was built on the belief that what you consume should reflect what you care about, and this partnership helps us deliver that at scale.”
Now, customers in Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri, including cities like West Des Moines, Sioux Falls, and several locations around St. Louis, can take home the bestselling blend in a new 2 lb bag made exclusively for Costco members. More than just a product launch, this rollout comes with a targeted marketing campaign rooted in the same values that have powered the brand since day one: community, accessibility, and engagement.
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Through a digital-first campaign, shoppers will be encouraged to visit local stores, share their in-store experience, and connect with the brand’s mission online for a chance to win a free year of Costco membership. All roads lead back to a dedicated landing page that not only celebrates the expansion but gives customers a voice in where BLK & Bold shows up next.
“Working with Costco gives us a platform to deepen our relationship with customers who believe in what we stand for,” said Rod Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Values Officer. “We see this as a moment to continue growing with purpose and clarity.”
Already available in over 11,000 retail locations nationwide, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Amazon, BLK & Bold’s expansion into Costco reflects both consumer demand and cultural resonance. The brand has built a name through powerful cultural collaborations with companies like Ben & Jerry’s, the NBA, and Marvel, never straying from the heart of its mission: impact over everything.
This milestone is more than a new retail footprint, it’s a testament to what’s possible when community, culture, and commerce align. The new expansion is proof that we can grind with intention, sip with pride, and build a legacy that tastes as good as it feels.
Cover photo: BLK & Bold, the First Black-Owned Nationally Distributed Coffee Brand, Expands to Costco/Photo credit: BLK & Bold/Instagram