Founded in 1972 by Verlyn L’Heureux, LaRue Coffee & Roasterie provides coffee and other fine beverage programs for businesses in the Omaha Metro as well as 12 other Midwestern states. In addition to roasting and packaging its signature brand of coffee daily for freshness at the Omaha roasting facility, LaRue roasts and packages coffee for over 60 vending and coffee companies across the United States. The locally owned and operated company also loans beverage equipment to all types of businesses such as offices, restaurants, dining services and convenience stores just to name a few.
“Life is busy but it’s so important to have fun. Make sure to pause and enjoy time spent with loved ones and friends. Those memories will last a lifetime. We are here to add a smile on the faces of our clients with a fresh cup of LaRue coffee!”
– Verlyn L’Heureux
President
What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
LaRue remains family owned and operated. There are very few family owned coffee companies in the Midwest left. Operating 30 routes and servicing approximately 10,000 clients each month, we pride ourselves in being large enough to meet our clients’ needs but small enough to care.
What do you like about doing business in Omaha?
The difference comes down to the people; the Omaha Metro has some of the best people and businesses that we have found in our travels. There is a passion to achieve great success! Maybe it is something in the water? Coffee is made up of 98.5-99% water!
What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with?
We have been members of various chambers of commerce, Business Breakfast Club of Omaha and Executive Group, Business Ethics Group, IRG, and many others.
Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement?
Develop people, products, and systems to allow us to grow and prosper in a family environment of honest and dedicated people who have a passion for providing excellent customer service.
What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
We have seen a large shift from coffee brewed by the pot to coffee that is brewed by the cup, such as the Keurig Green Mountain K-cups or bean-to-cup specialty machines that provide specialty drinks in less than 30 seconds.
What do you see happening with the business in the next five years?
We will most likely see more consolidation and different delivery methods to clients in the industry. We will also see the desire for a higher quality or more gourmet coffees as we have seen this on the rise the last 3-5 years.
What has been your most important achievement as a business?
LaRue has many team members that have been with the company for over 20 years. These team members have built some outstanding relationships in the industry with suppliers and also clients. We love making new friends and continuing to build strong relationships. Our first employee back in 1972 is still with the business today–he worked alongside Verlyn for years growing the business with new customers. He is still providing excellent customer service to our current clients.
What was the biggest turning point in your business?
When we started roasting our own coffee. We were able to control the quality, cost and the lead time. This allowed us to gain some competitive advantages with the investment into providing a greater service for our clients.
What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish?
Our primary goal is for everyone to drink fresh LaRue coffee. One cup at a time we are accomplishing this goal!
To find out more about LaRue Coffee & Roasterie, visit the company’s website at laruecoffee.com or call (800) 658-4498.