Coffee shops in downtown Wheeling are facing growing uncertainty as potential tariffs on imported goods could drive up the cost of their most essential ingredient: coffee beans.
Grant Coleman, owner of Mugshots, says his café sources beans from around the world. “We sell a lot of Mexican, Costa Rican, Guatemalan. Our house blend is actually a mix of Tanzania and Papua New Guinea. It’s coming from all over the world,” he explained.
That global supply chain is now under threat. According to the National Coffee Association, 99% of coffee consumed in the United States is imported. If tariffs are imposed or increased, local cafés may have to raise prices to keep up with higher costs.
A $5 to $6 cup of coffee could soon become more expensive — a shift that might impact customer habits and small business margins.
Coleman is already planning ahead. In addition to preparing his Wheeling storefront, he’s also factoring in the possible impact on his new shop in Moundsville.
As the industry awaits clarity on tariff decisions, local coffee businesses like Mugshots are staying alert — and brewing up strategies to adapt.
Related topics:
- Dutch Bros Coffee Coming to Collierville in Summer 2025
- Nothing Before Coffee Raises $2.3M to Expand Footprint Across India
- Uncommon Grounds Now Open at Albany Airport, Serving Local Coffee