Grounds & Hounds: Jordan Karcher’s Mission to Brew Change, One Cup at a Time

When Jordan Karcher founded Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. in 2014, his ambition stretched beyond coffee beans and caffeine. Inspired by his love for dogs and a vision to create a social impact, Karcher embarked on a journey to make every cup of coffee a step toward change. “I wanted a viable, profitable business, but one with purpose,” he explains. Grounds & Hounds was born from the simple yet powerful idea of uniting dog lovers and coffee enthusiasts under a shared mission: giving back to animals in need. By committing 20% of profits to animal rescues, Karcher ensured his brand would be a lifeline for dogs and shelters across the country.

Starting as a small, direct-to-consumer operation run out of a spare room in his Indiana apartment, Grounds & Hounds tapped into the untold potential of combining coffee with cause. As word spread, so did the brand's reach. By 2023, it had expanded to Whole Foods, Sprouts, and pet stores nationwide, recording $10 million in sales. Grounds & Hounds has now evolved into more than just a coffee company—it’s a movement, with a product lineup that includes 25 organic, eco-friendly blends sourced globally, from the rich soils of Guatemala to the mountains of Ethiopia. But beyond coffee, they offer a full lifestyle, from drinkware and brewing equipment to dog-themed apparel and pet accessories, all designed with the same mission-driven heart.

The brand’s commitment shines brightest in its partnerships with organizations like the Sato Project, funding flights to bring rescued dogs from Puerto Rico to the U.S., and the Doug the Pug Foundation, which provides therapeutic dogs for pediatric cancer patients. Grounds & Hounds even launched the Glazed Donut Blend to support this cause, further proving that Karcher’s impact strategy goes beyond coffee sales.

Looking ahead, Karcher remains steadfast in his commitment to Grounds & Hounds' original mission: to be more than a coffee brand, to be a catalyst for change. He understands that long-term success lies in continually demonstrating the impact of the brand’s mission on animal rescue, and he’s calling on coffee drinkers everywhere to join the cause. With every cup brewed, Grounds & Hounds is bridging the gap between purpose and passion, showing that even simple routines can drive extraordinary change.