More Than a Cup: The Story Behind East Dock Coffee

Some things just can't be rushed. There's a quiet magic in taking your time, patiently learning a craft, and knowing when something is finally ready to share. That’s the story behind East Dock Coffee. After years of carefully honing their roast, they're excited to finally share their coffee with more people.

For founder Jesse Cooper Mckinnon, it started with a lifelong love of coffee and a simple moment of curiosity. "Someone gave me a bag of coffee with a picture of a roaster on it," he says. "I just remember looking at it and wondering, 'How is this actually done?'" That question sparked a journey of learning, turning a personal interest into a professional pursuit. An idea that simmered for years has, in the last two, finally taken off with new products and a clear path forward.

You can feel that thoughtful approach in the brand's look and feel. East Dock Coffee leans into a a cozy, nautical vibe, aiming to capture that timeless feeling of sharing a fresh pot of coffee by the lake.

It’s not just a style—it's a reflection of their goal to deliver a high-quality, comforting experience. That experience is growing, too, with new merchandise and other fun products in the works.

You can find Jesse and his beans at the Welland Farmers Market every Saturday morning. If you can't make it to the market, you can order online through their website for free local delivery. Be sure to follow their journey on Instagram to see what they’re roasting next and shop their latest beans directly from their bio. When you do, you'll be tasting coffee sourced from amazing regions around the world. While Jesse appreciates every bean, he has a soft spot for the one that started it all: the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. He loves it not only for its history but for the great relationship he's built with its direct grower.

If he had to pick three words to describe the East Dock Coffee experience, they would be Fresh, Quality, and Excellence. These principles guide everything they do. Looking ahead, they plan to pop up at more events around Niagara, develop collaborations, and strengthen ties with growers, even planning trips to visit the farms themselves. The big dream? A brick-and-mortar cafe is on the wish list. So, East Dock Coffee is more than a roastery; it's a community dock, built on patience, passion, and a really good cup of coffee.