News

ROCK HILL, SC - September 9th, 2026 - Rock Hill-based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company has expanded its partnership at Bank of America Stadium through a new specialty coffee program inside MoMINTum, the immersive showcase experience highlighting the future of the stadium.

The new program brings Knowledge Perk’s specialty coffee experience into MoMINTum as part of the space’s everyday hospitality offerings. Knowledge Perk worked alongside the stadium’s hospitality partners to develop a coffee program specifically for the space, providing support throughout the process, including equipment selection, menu and recipe development, staff training, product fulfillment and ongoing program support.

The MoMINTum hospitality team operates the coffee bar during normal day-to-day experiences, providing guests with specialty coffee offerings built around Knowledge Perk products and standards.

The partnership also allows Knowledge Perk to play a larger role during select events hosted inside MoMINTum. For pregame parties, private gatherings, partner events and other special occasions, the Knowledge Perk team will take over the coffee bar and operate it as a fully staffed specialty coffee activation.

“We’ve been able to help build a program that becomes part of the everyday experience for guests interested in finding a home in Bank of America Stadium, while still having the opportunity to step in and bring the full Knowledge Perk experience to special events, game days, concerts and other happenings throughout the stadium,” said Ashley Abbott, Strategic Accounts and Partnerships Manager at Knowledge Perk. “It’s a great example of what we can create alongside amazing partners, while also offering a glimpse into the growth-minded mentality of Knowledge Perk, Bank of America Stadium and the awesome city of Charlotte.”

The MoMINTum program represents a natural evolution of Knowledge Perk’s growing relationship with Bank of America Stadium. The company has previously supported premium hospitality, special events, activations and coffee service throughout the venue, creating opportunities to bring its elevated coffee experiences to guests across a variety of settings.

We’re incredibly honored that Knowledge Perk Coffee Company has been named the Columbia Chamber’s Small Business of the Year.

This award, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, recognizes a Columbia Chamber Partner with fewer than 50 employees that has demonstrated notable achievements, economic and cultural growth, and outstanding contributions to the Midlands business community.

For our team, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects what Knowledge Perk is all about: creating elevated coffee experiences, bringing people together, and investing in the communities we’re fortunate to be a part of.

Since opening two our cafés in Columbia, we’ve been proud to become part of the rhythm of the local community. Our Gervais Street and Gateway 737 teams work hard every day to create welcoming spaces where students, families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors can gather over great coffee. They are the people who bring the Knowledge Perk experience to life every day, and this award is a reflection of their hard work, hospitality, and commitment to our customers.

That commitment to connection extends beyond our café walls. We’re proud to support local schools, sports teams, nonprofits, community events, and other organizations. We believe being a local business means being an active part of the community around us.

As CEO Ryan Sanderson shared, the award is also a reflection of the value of connecting with other members of the Columbia business community. Through those relationships, conversations and partnerships, we’ve been able to find new ways to support one another and contribute to the broader Midlands community.

Thank you to the Columbia Chamber and to everyone who has been part of the Knowledge Perk journey. We’re honored to be named the 2026 Small Business of the Year!

At Knowledge Perk Coffee Company, we believe the best events are defined by thoughtful details. During Improve 2026 at Bank of America Stadium, we officially debuted our new espresso cart built to bring that philosophy to life.

Designed for conferences, corporate events, and brand activations, the cart allows us to deliver a fully customized coffee experience that blends seamless branding with high-quality craft coffee.

A Fully Branded Coffee Experience

For Improve 2026, we transformed the espresso cart into a fully integrated part of the event experience, featuring:

• Custom cart wrap with event branding
• Branded drink menus
• Logo stickers on every cup
• Latte art printing with event imagery

Each detail was designed to turn every cup into a meaningful brand touchpoint while still delivering the elevated coffee and hospitality experience Knowledge Perk is known for.

Built for Events That Want to Stand Out

The espresso cart gives organizations a flexible way to create a coffee experience that feels uniquely their own, without sacrificing quality or consistency. Whether it’s a large-scale conference or a private activation, the setup adapts to the space while keeping the guest experience front and center.

What Our Partners Said

We were proud to work alongside Sequence Events at Bank of America Stadium, who shared this feedback:

“From planning through execution, the entire team was incredibly easy to work with, responsive, and accommodating. The customization of the cart, menu, cups, and even the latte art made the experience truly memorable. The cart stayed busy all day and quickly became one of the standout features of the conference. We look forward to working with Knowledge Perk again.”

Bring the Experience to Your Next Event

Our new espresso cart is designed for brands and organizations that want to create moments people remember. If you're planning an event and want to elevate the guest experience through coffee, we'd love to connect.

Rock Hill, SC - May 18, 2026 – Knowledge Perk Coffee Company has officially launched its new seasonal summer drink & food menu, now available at cafés across the Carolinas. Designed to meet the shift toward lighter, colder, and more refreshing options during the summer months, the updated menu features an expanded lineup of Lotus Energy drinks, new breakfast sandwiches, and a fresh selection of seasonal beverages.

A major highlight of the launch is the café’s expanded Lotus Energy menu, which introduces several new drinks built around the plant-based Lotus Energy concentrate. The natural energy lineup offers customers a vibrant, refreshing alternative to traditional canned energy drinks, with customizable flavor combinations and energy sourced from natural ingredients.

“This menu is all about recognizing how customer habits change in the summer and creating offerings that meet those new routines,” said Jacob Weis, Creative Marketing Manager for Knowledge Perk Coffee Company. “We’ve put a huge focus on expanding our Lotus drink lineup because it gives us an opportunity to offer something energetic, refreshing, and still aligned with the specialty café experience. Alongside that, our new breakfast sandwiches give guests even more reasons to make Knowledge Perk part of their summer routine.”

The seasonal drink menu also includes a variety of new iced coffee creations, refreshers, and summer-inspired specialty beverages designed to complement the warmer weather while maintaining the quality and creativity customers expect from Knowledge Perk. On the food side, the summer menu introduces several new breakfast sandwich options, expanding the café’s growing lineup of elevated breakfast offerings.

The Summer Menu is available for a limited time at all Knowledge Perk café locations. Food offerings may vary at licensed store locations. Customers can explore the full menu by visiting knowledgeperk.com or stopping by their nearest Knowledge Perk café.

Rock Hill, SC - May 1, 2026 - Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever ready-to-drink canned latte line, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth and innovation.

The new canned lattes will officially launch in Knowledge Perk cafés on May 4, 2026, with the debut flavor, Brown Sugar Vanilla. The beverages are shelf-stable, dairy free, and designed to deliver the quality and flavor customers expect from Knowledge Perk in a convenient grab-and-go format.

In addition to the retail launch, Knowledge Perk is also introducing a special licensed edition in partnership with Coastal Carolina University. These co-branded cans are designed to celebrate Chanticleer pride while offering students, alumni, parents, and fans a new way to enjoy premium coffee wherever they are.

“This is an exciting step forward for our company,” said Jacob Weis, Creative Marketing Manager for Knowledge Perk Coffee Company. “We’ve built our brand around creating memorable coffee experiences in our cafés, and now we’re thrilled to bring that same energy into a new ready-to-drink category.”

The canned latte launch represents the latest chapter in Knowledge Perk’s expansion as a growing regional coffee brand known for its cafés, roasting operations, university licensing partnerships, and community-focused approach to hospitality.

Launch week promotions for in-store customers will run from May 4 through May 8, encouraging guests to try the new product and celebrate its debut.

This week, we had the privilege of co-hosting the College Disc Golf Champions Dinner for the second year in a row, welcoming back last year’s champions and kicking off an incredible week here in Rock Hill, SC.
This event is part of a partnership we’re especially proud of, supporting the College Disc Golf National Championship as it brings 700+ of the top collegiate players from across the country to our community.
The evening featured an unforgettable multi-course meal from Chef Phillip Spencer of BearWalrus, alongside (of course) plenty of Knowledge Perk cold brew. It was a chance to celebrate excellence, reflect on the growth of the sport, and connect with the people who make this community so special.
We also had the opportunity to fuel players, staff, and volunteers with free coffee out at the Winthrop courses on the first day of competition, just a small way to support the energy behind an event of this scale.
Events like this are only possible because of the people who pour so much into them. We’re especially grateful for Chad Sullivan, Jonathan Poole, and Jeff Panis, along with the entire Innova team. Their passion for the sport and dedication to the player experience is what makes this community so special.
Disc golf is growing rapidly, but what stands out most is the culture: a strong sense of community, sportsmanship, and passion for the game. We’re grateful to partner with an organization and a sport that aligns so closely with our values of creating elevated experiences that bring people together.
Investing in these student-athletes means investing in the future of the sport, and we’re excited to be a small part of that journey.

Rock Hill, SC - March 11, 2026 - Rock Hill-based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is proud to announce a new branded coffee collaboration with Coastal Carolina University. Introducing Teal Coast Coffee, a premium coffee line created for Chanticleers.

The collection includes two unique coffees. Coastal Blend is a medium roast that was crafted by the Coastal team, with notes of citrus, cocoa, and caramel. Atheneum Bold is a dark roast coffee inspired by the bold Coastal spirit, with tasting notes of peanut butter, dark chocolate, and raisins.

"We have loved creating this partnership with Coastal Carolina University,” said Ashley Abbott, Strategic Accounts and Partnerships Manager at Knowledge Perk. “Their community and internal team have such strong pride and energy, and it’s been a natural connection from the start. These coffees reflect that spirit, and we hope that students, alumni, and fans feel that connection every time they brew a cup."

Through partnerships like this, Knowledge Perk continues to collaborate with universities to create custom, elevated coffees that celebrate school spirit.

Teal Coast Coffee is available now for pre-order on Knowledge Perk’s website, with its official release date set for March 17. In addition to online retail, Teal Coast Coffee will be available for purchase in select Knowledge Perk cafés and in Teal Nation stores. To pre-order and learn more about the partnership, visit www.knowledgeperk.com.

Rock Hill, SC - March 2, 2026 - Rock Hill based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is excited to announce a new addition to their staple single-origin coffee portfolio.

The new Colombian offering is a medium/dark roast, washed process coffee that features tasting notes of stout, mocha, and raspberry. It was produced by Finca el Calapo in the San Gil, Santander region of the country.

"High quality, Colombian coffees never fail to excite us,” said Connor Moore, head of production at Knowledge Perk. “It has a mouthfeel reminiscent of a nice dark porter and a hint of mocha sweetness. But as it cools, the brightness of fresh raspberries shines forth. In other words, this coffee is a perfect daily driver for morning joe, and equally delightful for all other brewing methods. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!"

This new coffee is now available for purchase online at knowledgeperk.com and will be rolling out to cafés over the next week.

Rock Hill, SC - February 23, 2026 - Rock Hill based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is proud to announce a new branded coffee partnership with Wofford College, introducing Bold & Gold, a signature medium roast crafted exclusively for the Terrier community.

Bold & Gold is a smooth, balanced roast featuring dark chocolate and nutty notes. Crafted in collaboration with Wofford leadership to offer an experience shaped by learning, community and sustainability, the blend delivers a delicious cup whether brewed hot or enjoyed over ice.

Beginning February 23, Bold & Gold will be available for pre-order on Knowledge Perk’s website, with its official release date set for March 2. In addition to the whole bean coffee, Wofford College will serve Bold & Gold as the featured cold brew coffee in its campus dining hall.

"From day one, Wofford felt like a natural fit. The college represents excellence, community, and connection: values that matter deeply to us,” said Ashley Abbott, Strategic Accounts and Partnerships Manager at Knowledge Perk. “This partnership is more than a collaboration; it’s an invitation to slow down and celebrate the everyday moments of conversation and connection that happen on campus, in our cafés, and beyond. We hope students, alumni, and fans feel a sense of pride every time they take a sip."

This partnership continues Knowledge Perk’s commitment to building meaningful collaborations with universities and creating custom, elevated coffees that celebrate school pride.

Bold & Gold will be available online, in select Knowledge Perk cafés, and in the Wofford College Bookstore. To pre-order starting February 23 and learn more about the partnership, visit www.knowledgeperk.com.

Rock Hill, SC - February 13th, 2026 - Rock Hill based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company has announced the launch of its seasonal Spring Drink & Food Menu, available in cafés beginning February 13.

The updated menu includes the return of past seasonal beverages such as the Tiramisu Latte and the Blueberry Muffin Macchiato, alongside new additions like the Lavender Fog. The drink offers a variation on the classic London Fog, combining Earl Grey tea and vanilla, topped with a lavender cold foam.

“Our fans are incredibly passionate about their favorite seasonal drinks, so we wanted to honor that by bringing back some of those offerings,” said Jacob Weis, Creative Marketing Manager for Knowledge Perk. “At the same time, we wanted to reflect the ideas of spring with fresh new flavors as well.”

The spring rollout also includes additions to the food menu. The Caprese Chicken Salad Sandwich returns as a seasonal option, and a new Spring Turkey sandwich features turkey, cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, and balsamic glaze. The pastry selection expands with the introduction of a Cherry Greek Yogurt Danish.

The seasonal beverages will be available for a limited time at all Knowledge Perk café locations. Food offerings may vary at licensed store locations.

LITTLE RIVER, SC - January 16th, 2026 - Rock Hill based Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is excited to announce the grand opening of its first drive-thru location in Little River, SC on Friday, January 19, 2026. The drive-thru will be open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, welcoming the community to celebrate with special offers, samples, and giveaways throughout the day.

To mark the opening, Knowledge Perk Coffee Company will be handing out samples of its hot brewed coffee and pastries, giving guests a taste of the brand’s high-quality coffee and baked goods. Guests will also be able to purchase discounted retail bags of Knowledge Perk Coffee Company at the event.

As a thank-you to the Little River community, several opening-day promotions will be available:

• First 50 cars will receive a coupon for a free drink on a return visit
• 50% off retail coffee bags on opening day (01/19)
• 20% off all drinks and food on opening day (01/19)

“We’re thrilled to open our doors in Little River and introduce our coffee to the community,” said Ryan Sanderson, CEO of Knowledge Perk Coffee Company. “This location allows us to serve premium coffee and food, quickly and conveniently, while still delivering the warm, welcoming experience our brand is known for.”

The Little River drive-thru location expands Knowledge Perk’s growing footprint and reinforces the company’s commitment to serving specialty coffee, handcrafted drinks, and quality food with consistency and care.

Grand Opening Details
Date: January 19
Time: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location:
Knowledge Perk Coffee Company – Little River
123 Pavilion Drive, Little River, SC 29566

About Knowledge Perk
Founded in 2017, Knowledge Perk Coffee Company is a small-batch coffee roastery with a mission to transform the way you experience coffee and the global community that brings it to you. With a dedication to excellence, education and innovation, Knowledge Perk is continually working to foster growth and expand the boundaries of the coffee industry with its push into both sports and universities. For more information, visit KnowledgePerk.com.

Deep in the Andes Mountains of southwestern Colombia live the Nasa Wes’x indigenous people. Victims of violence and displacement throughout decades of conflict, the Nasa community reached an agreement with FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in the late 1990s that allowed them to farm coffee in peace. With a vision of nurturing the land and living with dignity, the Nasa formed a coffee-growing initiative that today includes 96 members—known as the Young Coffee Growers Program. Affectionately, it's also called the Yuppie Program, with “Yuppie” standing for Young Professional People.

Knowledge Perk’s new “Yuppie Decaf” is a product of this inspiring program. It’s a washed-process coffee grown by young coffee professionals, then decaffeinated at the world’s only facility using the Ethyl Acetate sugarcane process. Though “Ethyl Acetate” might sound intimidating, it’s a natural and environmentally friendly compound derived from sugarcane.

The sugarcane decaffeination process begins by steaming the green coffee beans to make them more permeable. The beans are then soaked in an Ethyl Acetate solution, which draws out the caffeine. A charcoal filter removes the caffeine from the solution. Once decaffeinated—typically to about 97%—the beans are dried in vacuum dryers, then gently cooled with ventilation to preserve moisture. When the coffee reaches the ideal moisture level and temperature, it’s packed and shipped to Knowledge Perk’s roastery for the final steps.

Even more than traditional water-based decaffeination, this method helps preserve the origin integrity of the coffee, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful cup. Knowledge Perk is proud to showcase this coffee in our portfolio—we believe it more than holds its own against any of our caffeinated offerings.