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Lost Coffee Founder Scott Gaerte on Building Community Through Coffee
TLDR
Before starting Lost Coffee, Scott Gaerte had already learned what made a great brand tick. After years of working with companies like Disney, REI, and Starbucks, he moved from Southern California to Colorado in 2004, looking for a way to bring people and purpose together. In 2010, that idea took shape as Lost Coffee, a company built around one guiding belief: love coffee and love people.
From a Coffee Truck to a Colorado Favorite
Lost Coffee started as a small food truck serving handcrafted drinks to the local community. Within a year, it had its first brick-and-mortar store, which marked the beginning of what would become one of Colorado’s most respected coffee brands. Today, Lost Coffee operates in Aurora, Castle Rock, Littleton, and two locations in Highlands Ranch.
Each store is grounded in the same values Scott envisioned at the start — quality, integrity, and care. The team uses top-grade equipment and responsibly sourced beans to ensure every roast meets the highest standards. Their espresso has earned loyal fans for its consistency and balance. Over time, Lost Coffee expanded to serve local businesses, sell products online, and even offer its beans at Whole Foods and local grocery stores.
Building a Culture of Inclusion and Integrity
From its earliest days, Lost Coffee has stood for inclusion and opportunity. When Scott and his team took over the Highlands Ranch location previously known as Festive Cup, they continued its mission of employing and empowering individuals with disabilities. That legacy remains central to Lost Coffee today.
Across all locations, the company prioritizes diversity, fair pay, and ethical sourcing. It supports programs that provide fair wages for women farmers, washing station workers, and others in the supply chain who are often overlooked. Locally, Lost Coffee partners with nonprofits and community organizations through fundraisers and awareness programs.
Scott’s team also embodies the spirit of Colorado, encouraging employees and customers to spend time outdoors and find inspiration in nature. This connection between people, purpose, and environment is what gives Lost Coffee its unique place in the community.
Final Thoughts
Fifteen years since its founding, Lost Coffee continues to thrive under Scott Gaerte’s leadership. The brand’s commitment to quality and compassion has shaped it into more than a collection of coffee shops — it’s a reflection of what a values-driven business can look like. Every location still feels like a local gathering place where good coffee and good company go hand in hand.
Order online from their Square store here.
Looking to bring mobile ordering and loyalty features to your coffee shop? Explore Square-powered app solutions built for cafes.
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription