Embarking on a New Adventure
The Story Behind Embark Coffee Co.
Located in Waterloo, Embark Coffee Co. is a small, locally owned coffee shop that opened this past summer. Owner DeCarlos Carey started Embark as a side project while working full-time at John Deere, where he is still employed. What began as a passion for great coffee has grown into a welcoming space for people to connect and enjoy something handcrafted. With a very small team, every roast and recipe is handled with care and attention to detail.
All of Embark’s beans are roasted in-house, allowing Carey to control freshness and flavor from start to finish. The shop also makes its own homemade syrups using simple ingredients.
The name Embark represents the shop’s focus on exploration and growth. Over time, Carey plans to change the countries where he sources Embark's coffee beans from, giving customers the chance to experience coffee from different regions around the world. Each new origin offers a fresh perspective and a new story to share.
Embark Coffee Co. was inspired and encouraged by the Waterloo community. Friends, family, and local coffee drinkers played a big part in turning Carey’s idea into a reality. Their support continues to shape the welcoming, down-to-earth environment that defines the shop.