A new retailer is setting up shop in Peoria’s warehouse district, and it’s bringing a new business model along with it.
Banu and Mike Hatfield, who are married, own Zion Coffee. Last month, they announced plans to bring their coffee business to the historic Union Depot Hotel building on SW Adams St.
Zion is currently a web-based retailer, with occasional pop-ups at events and farmers markets. The Hatfield's business follows a social entrepreneurship model for supporting the livelihood of its suppliers, primarily coffee farmers in Central America.
“We could see, how could we take the skills and the connections and relationships we have on this side, and connect that up to the farmer and together be able to bring this business model to fruition,” Mike Hatfield said.
Zion says a portion of profits support the communities they employ, like supplying iPads for students at a school in Nicaragua.
Banu Hatfield says customers have been receptive of their mission.
“We all have a lot of enjoyment that comes out of a great cup of coffee, but to know there’s a story behind it I think really moves people,” Banu Hatfield said.
And they're not alone. Along with the recent growth of businesses that claim to give back, like Warby Parker and Toms Shoes, comes a following of consumers willing to vote with their dollars. A 2015 Nielsen study surveyed more than 30,000 consumers worldwide and found 66% of global consumers are willing to pay a premium on products, if the company promotes sustainable practices. That number is up 11% from 2014.
Banu and Mike Hatfield say they hope to begin serving Zion Coffee early this summer and plan on hiring about a dozen employees.