A Century-Old New Orleans Coffee Roaster Begins a New Chapter with Local Ownership
In the heart of New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, a 100-year-old coffee roaster is embracing a new era. Try-Me Coffee Mills, a long-standing yet quietly operating brand, is now under the ownership of local couple Lauren “Mermaid” McCabe and Abby King, who plan to carry forward its rich legacy while growing its public profile — according to a report by Chelsea Brasted, published on Axios.
While not widely recognized outside industry circles, Try-Me Coffee has long fueled some of the city’s most iconic tastes. Its beans have been served in places like Slim Goodies and in desserts like the affogato at Brocato’s. Yet, despite this strong presence in local kitchens, the brand has remained relatively unknown to the broader public.
The story of Try-Me Coffee dates back to founder Henry Kepler, a former bank teller who began roasting beans in the Bywater and selling them door-to-door. The roastery still operates in the same spirit, preparing custom one-pound batches by hand, maintaining a loyal customer base among nearby residents and local restaurants.
As Brasted notes, New Orleans’ deep connection to coffee — rooted in its history as a major port city and hub for international trade — makes it a fitting home for such a legacy business. Today, local roasters like Mojo, Congregation, PJ’s Coffee, and Cherry dominate the modern café scene. However, few carry the historical weight of a century-old operation like Try-Me.
Despite its longevity, the brand has struggled with name recognition, especially compared to newer, more marketing-driven competitors. McCabe and King hope to change that.
“It’s a very different landscape now,” McCabe told Axios. “We can continue the legacy of this business that has had a real strong hand in shaping the coffee culture of New Orleans.”
To mark its 100th anniversary, Try-Me Coffee is offering a sampler pack for sale online, along with free delivery across Orleans and Jefferson Parishes until the end of the year — a gesture that reflects the company’s renewed commitment to its local roots.
As the brand enters its second century, the new owners are focused on honoring its artisanal past while positioning it for a more visible future. With a growing appreciation for craft and heritage in the coffee world, Try-Me Coffee may finally be ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight — one hand-roasted batch at a time.
