BLK & Bold Expands Into Costco: Brewing Purpose, Profit, and Community Impact

They’re proving once again that purpose and product can go hand in hand—and doing it on a much bigger stage.

BLK & Bold, the trailblazing Black-owned specialty coffee brand, has announced its latest milestone: a retail expansion into Costco, bringing its signature Rise & GRND Medium Roast blend to nine select locations across the Midwest beginning May 19th. This marks a major leap for the fast-growing company, which has built its reputation on pairing exceptional flavor with meaningful social impact.

Founded in 2018 by childhood friends Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, the Des Moines-based company has evolved from a small-batch side hustle brewed on a kitchen counter into the largest independently owned, mission-driven coffee brand in the United States (source: Forbes). Their vision was—and remains—boldly simple: to prove that coffee can be both a premium experience and a platform for change.

Since its inception, BLK & Bold has pledged 5% of its gross profits to nonprofits that serve at-risk youth. That commitment has already translated into more than $450,000 in donations to community programs across the country, including initiatives that provide mentorship, education, and workforce training (source: Fast Company).

“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 in a press release. “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.”

Starting this May, customers in Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri—including West Des Moines, Sioux Falls, and multiple St. Louis locations—can pick up BLK & Bold’s bestselling roast in an exclusive 2 lb. bag crafted specifically for Costco members. But this isn’t just about shelf space. The rollout comes with a digital-first campaign encouraging shoppers to engage with the brand both online and in-store. Customers can share their experiences for a chance to win a free year of Costco membership, further reinforcing BLK & Bold’s community-centered approach.

“Working with Costco gives us a platform to deepen our relationship with customers who believe in what we stand for,” added Rod Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Values Officer. “We see this as a moment to continue growing with purpose and clarity.”

The company’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. BLK & Bold products are now available in more than 11,000 retail locations nationwide, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Amazon (source: Essence). Beyond retail, the brand has earned cultural credibility through collaborations with Ben & Jerry’s, the NBA, and Marvel, each partnership emphasizing empowerment and representation within Black communities.

According to Forbes, BLK & Bold’s success reflects a broader consumer trend toward “conscious consumption”, where buyers increasingly support brands that embody transparency, ethics, and community responsibility. The company’s growth underscores how small businesses with strong values can disrupt traditional markets and influence national retail dynamics.

This latest expansion isn’t merely a commercial milestone—it’s a symbol of sustainable success built on authenticity and impact. BLK & Bold continues to show that you can grind with purpose, sip with pride, and build a legacy that tastes as good as it feels.

As Cezar once said in an interview with The New York Times, “We’re not just selling coffee; we’re brewing opportunities.” That sentiment continues to guide the company as it takes its mission—and its medium roast—to new heights.