Richard Perez, Founder/CEO

As an employee of other coffee companies in the 1960s, Richard Perez saw numerous ways to improve on both quality and service. Starting out with a one hundred pound batch roaster and one delivery truck this family owned and operated business has become one of the largest independent roasters in the Southeast United States.

In a fast growing and competitive market of large conglomerates, BRISK has remained independent, giving us more flexibility to offer customized products and service programs for our customers. Customization within a large organization is nearly impossible, but for BRISK Coffee, it’s part of our daily business that makes us unique in the coffee industry. Our customers get the best of both worlds — the service and personal attention of small independent, with the delivery capacity of a large corporation.

 

"Roasting coffee is both a craft and an art. Mastering the craft requires experience. Mastering the art, takes a lifetime".

- Richard Perez, Founder/CEO

HISTORY TIMELINE

1968

Richard Perez, District Sales Manager for the Food Service Division of the Coca Cola Coffee Division, founds BRISK COFFEE in his hometown, Tampa, Florida.

 

1969 - 1972

BRISK grows rapidly, acquiring larger roasters, more delivery trucks, larger offices and more employees.

 

1973

BRISK opens a roasting facility in San Salvador, El Salvador.

 

1974

Branch offices are established in the Orlando, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale markets.

 

1978

First national chain acquired – the Days Inns of America. This customer acquisition launched our Hotel Supply Program, combining complimenting foodservice and in-room coffee products for a complete item line up.

 

1980

Brisk secures a contract with Waffle Houses of Florida, our first restaurant chain.

 

1982

Brisk secures contracts with Peoples Express, Eastern Airlines, United Airlines and numerous charter airlines, perfecting and expanding our filter pack coffee line as a product offering to the foodservice and institutional industries.

 

1990

BRISK introduces ‘CAFÉ PEREZ’ Espresso Coffee.

 

1992

Brisk is awarded the largest Burger King franchisee in the Southeast, expanding our presence in the national accounts market.

 

1996

The American coffee division of Rowland Coffee Roasters in Miami, Florida is acquired by BRISK Coffee. This acquisition secures BRISK Coffee as one of the largest independent coffee roasters in the Southeast United States.

 

1997

BRISK Introduces ‘INNKEEPER’S CHOICE’ Filter Pack Coffee, in-room coffee sold to the nation’s finest hotels.

 

1998

BRISK becomes the largest supplier of ground coffee to the cruise industry.

 

2001

Expansion continues as BRISK signs contracts with fine hotels, restaurants and other clients throughout the western U.S.

 

2005

Green Coffee prices increase significantly. In response to a changing economy and in an effort to bring value to our customers, BRISK develops and implements our Factory-Direct, Next Day Delivery concept. The first of its kind in the coffee foodservice market, this unique system introduces a more efficient, cost effective business model, shipping fresher, higher quality coffee than ever before possible to our customers.

 

2009

BRISK relocates to a new state-of-the-art production facility, tripling space and manufacturing capability.