MA Food Entrepreneurs: MOJO Cold Brewed Coffee

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

The culinary culture in Massachusetts is incredible, so we’re taking a moment to highlight a few cuisine wizards putting the Commonwealth on the foodie map in this “MA Food Entrepreneurs” mini series. In this edition, let’s meet Ann Moran Brainard, founder of MOJO Cold Brewed Coffees.
What inspired you to start MOJO Cold Brewed Coffee?
It all happened very organically. As a proud New Orleans native, I frequently shared my beloved culture (food, drink and music) with anyone who crossed my path, including my potent cold brew. It was my “go to” coffee drink; one that I would happily whip up and share at school and community functions where volunteers needed fuel. I was encouraged by so many people to bottle it because they all thought it was special. In fact, most thought I spiked it with alcohol because it made them feel so good (I didn’t). At first, I didn’t take their encouragement seriously.  But it kept coming, so I started to do some research on the beverage industry and the ready-to-drink coffee segment in particular. I discovered that there was a real opportunity because packaged coffee drinks were limited – lagging, in my opinion – and given the ubiquitous popularity of and dependence on coffee, I decided to go for it.

What makes MOJO special?
Our all-natural ingredients, our process for cold brewing and our recipe. As we like to say, it’s seriously potent and magically flavorful. We hear all the time that our Original tastes like melted coffee ice cream.
What’s your favorite farmers’ market?
We love the Cape Ann Farmers’ Market, held on Thursdays at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. We love the setting – it’s a beautiful site overlooking the ocean, with a great vibe, and mostly…the people (the fab market manager, the other vendors and the crowds of new friends that we make each week).
What are your favorite local restaurants?
I’m a huge fan of Guilia’s in Cambridge and Toro in the South End.

What do you love about living on Cape Ann/North Shore?
I love the unmatched beauty of the natural setting: the exquisite and unique beaches, the waterfront towns, the preserved lands and trails, the pastoral farms, the proximity to Boston (using mass transit) and the outdoorsy lifestyle that it affords. Every day, I try to find a way to embrace where I live. Paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, hiking, beaching, surfing…all of these things are possible on the north shore. It’s a special place.
Where can you find MOJO?
Our website features a link that will allow you to plug in your zip code to find the closest locations to get some. In general, though, you can find MOJO at most local Whole Foods stores, Crosby’s Markets and many gourmet stores in the metro Boston area. If you can’t find it, please simply ask the buyer to stock it. And remember, that because MOJO contains no stabilizers, additives or preservatives (we’re all natural, all the time) MOJO may separate. Simply shake it up and enjoy the ride!
All photos courtesy of MOJO Cold Brewed Coffee

TOPICS: Culinary, Local Products and Producers