A look at Community Coffee through its nearly 100 years in Baton Rouge

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In 1919, a coffee legend was born out of a family home in the north corner of Baton Rouge. Cap Saurage, the founder of Community Coffee, began grinding, brewing and serving his own coffee to friends and family, naming the popular beverage in appreciation for his city and its people.

The Community Coffee brand has seen many changes in the nearly 100 years since.

The company has introduced several new products, completely redesigned CC’s packaging, logo and coffee house interiors, and launched the Saurage family’s signature outreach program, CC’s Cares, which has promoted childhood health and education for more than 30 years.

The founder built his business on family values and traditions, consistency and integrity. Today, fourth-generation owner Matt Saurage and the CC’s team run the business—now much larger—on the same foundation.

“All of our guests are owners,” Saurage says. “They all own their own coffee experience, and that’s the beauty of the brand.”

As Community Coffee approaches 100 years of success and CC’s Coffee Houses surpass 20, take a look back at Louisiana’s favorite coffee company over the years.

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Community Coffee and CC’s Coffee House: What’s the difference?

In 2013, CC’s Coffee Houses began to operate as an independent business model, though both are still owned by the Saurage family. In late 2015, CC’s Coffee House also began to roast, package and sell its own coffee in order to better suit its fast-paced, restaurant-style business.

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INSIDER PICKS

Owner Matt Saurage’s favorite drink: Tall triple cappuccino with CC’s Uptown Jazz dark roast

Director of Company Operations Sean Marlow’s favorite drinks: Uptown Jazz and a Turtle Mochasippi

CEO Celton Hayden, Jr.’s favorite drink: Double shot of CC’s Crescent Rhythm espresso

 

 

 

 

 

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BY THE NUMBERS

400: Approximate number of people CC’s Coffee House employs in Louisiana and at its Mississippi location
33: Number of CC’s Coffee House stores currently operating in Louisiana
59: Years that third-generation owner Norman Saurage III dedicated to Community Coffee’
3 million: Guests CC’s serves per year through its company-owned and -operated stores
1 million+: Food items served per year
500,000+: Number of CC’s Mochasippis sold per year. This signature frozen and blended beverage is the most popular beverage line in stores.

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