The Story of Jimmy Butler Selling Coffee inside the NBA Bubble

By Edcel Panganiban February 14, 2024 02:45

Photo by Getty Images

Jimmy Butler, a renowned NBA star, embarked on a unique entrepreneurial endeavor during his time inside the NBA bubble in 2020. His innovative approach to addressing the scarcity of high-quality coffee inside the bubble led to the establishment of a successful coffee business. Let's delve into the details of Jimmy Butler's foray into the world of coffee entrepreneurship.

The Genesis of Big Face Coffee

In the fall of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy Butler recognized an opportunity to provide a sought-after commodity to his fellow NBA players. With the scarcity of quality coffee at the Florida campus where players from 22 teams were staying, Butler decided to leverage this demand by running a coffee shop out of his Orlando hotel room.

The Business Model

Butler began charging a steep price of $20 for a cup of his freshly brewed coffee, a move he knew many of his fellow pros would be willing to pay. Despite hoping that his customers would pay with $100 bills, his plan did not yield the desired results. Nevertheless, this initiative kickstarted a passion project that continues to thrive to this day. Butler is now the proud owner of Big Face Coffee, a company that sources beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Colombia, and sells them on its website alongside fashion-forward apparel.

The Ultimate Vision

As a six-time All-Star, Jimmy Butler is deeply involved in every aspect of running the business, from selecting the bean varieties to designing the clothing to doing market research. His ultimate goal is to open a chain of cafes worldwide, where people from diverse backgrounds and cultures can come together to enjoy his coffee and engage in meaningful conversations.

The Coffee Lover

Butler's love for coffee has been well-documented, with reports stating that he drinks up to 12 cups of coffee every day. He values the opportunity for conversation that coffee provides and envisions his cafes as a space where people can come together, share experiences, and learn from each other.

The Coffee Business and Sports

Despite the questions surrounding the health effects of consuming such a large amount of coffee, Butler's entrepreneurial venture has not hindered his athletic prowess. He spearheaded Miami's stunning run to the NBA Finals as a No. 8 seed, showcasing that his passion for coffee does not detract from his performance on the court.

The Future of Big Face Coffee

When his playing career eventually comes to an end, it is speculated that Jimmy Butler might transition into the coffee industry full time. Given his dedication and passion, it would not be surprising if he achieves significant success in this new endeavor.

The Unconventional Business Approach

Butler's approach to selling coffee inside the NBA bubble was nothing short of unconventional. He strategically set the price of every cup at $20, creating a sense of perceived value and inducing customers to opt for larger sizes. Moreover, his refusal to accept IOUs and the inclusion of various coffee options aimed to provide choice and enhance customer satisfaction. The incorporation of smiley faces on the menu further endeared customers to his business, despite the high prices.

Jimmy Butler's venture into the coffee business inside the NBA bubble epitomizes innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to identify an unmet need and capitalize on it speaks volumes about his business acumen. As he continues to nurture his passion for coffee while excelling on the basketball court, it's evident that Jimmy Butler's foray into entrepreneurship is a testament to his multifaceted talents and unwavering determination.