Our Story
Coffee has always been part of the vision—but never the whole story. TellTale exists to create places of belonging, celebrate the beauty of the Lower Ninth Ward, and invest in people through work, hospitality, and hope.
How it started
TellTale Coffee was born out of a simple but powerful belief: stories connect us. From the first pour on our mobile coffee truck to building a permanent space in the heart of the Lower Ninth Ward, our journey has always been about more than coffee—it’s about people.
We set out to create a place where neighbors become friends, ideas become action, and every cup serves a bigger purpose. We started small—with a truck, a dream, and a deep desire to create a space where community could gather and grow.
Why we do it
From the beginning, every cup has been a way to invest back into the neighborhood: creating jobs, sharing stories, and sparking hope where it’s often been overlooked.
We believe coffee can do more than serve a customer. It can create meaningful work, open doors for skill development, and become a platform for stories that deserve to be heard.
What it’s becoming
Now, we roast our own coffee right here in the community—not just to craft better flavor, but to build something bigger. Our roasting program is designed to train and equip local residents with marketable skills, reduce operating costs so we can reinvest in the neighborhood, and give our customers a chance to drink with purpose.
Craft
Thoughtful roasting, better coffee, and a product we’re proud to put in people’s hands.
Community
A business rooted in the Lower Ninth Ward, shaped by relationships, place, and presence.
Opportunity
Training, employment, and practical pathways that help turn vision into real change.
What your purchase means
When you buy a bag of TellTale Coffee, you’re not just getting a great cup—you’re helping us write a better story for the Lower Ninth Ward.
Every drink served, every bag sold, and every event booked helps strengthen a business that exists for more than profit. It helps sustain a vision of renewal rooted in hospitality, storytelling, and the belief that good things can grow in meaningful places.
Want to be part of the story?
Whether you’re here to buy coffee, book the cart, or learn more about what we’re building, we’d love for you to take the next step with us.