Searching for adventure, Darron Burke moved to South Florida from New England almost 20 years ago. Settling in Miami he quickly became interested in Latin culture and met his future wife, Eliana. Born and raised in Colombia, South America, by an extended family of coffee growers and roasters, Eliana came to the U.S. in search of an opportunity. The adventurer met Eliana and their relationship flourished, and soon Eliana persuaded Darron to visit her birthplace. Surrounded by Eliana’s family and friends, Darron was taken by the beauty of the country’s lush mountains, fertile valleys, vibrant cities, and its friendly and welcoming people. The couple spent much of their trip on coffee plantations and in roasteries, and Darron developed a love and passion for their coffee. With the first cup of the fresh, medium-dark roasted coffee, he was amazed by the delicious and different coffee. He had never tasted anything like it in the United States.

Eliana’s family called Darron “Pablo” and after he purchased the Cafetero’s hat (as seen in the logo) everyone began to call him “Don Pablo”. Over the next two decades they formed relationships with coffee farmers and roasters all over the world; and they discovered a desire for better quality coffee in the U.S. That discovery led to their first foray into growing and roasting their own coffee. They learned from the best and built mutually beneficial relationships with farmers, roasters, importers and, most importantly, customers.

Five years ago Darron left teaching to roast coffee full time and they started Burke Brands dba Café Don Pablo. Burke operates coffee roasting facilities in Miami and is looking into locations in Tallahassee, FL, Bentonville, AK and Charleston, SC.  A great breakthrough came when they penetrated the big-box retailers; now they sell to Costco, Sam's Club, Chili's restaurants, and many other retail, food service, and private label accounts. They also offer coffee for non-profits to use as a fundraising strategy. Company growth has been phenomenal and continues as they sell primarily to retailers, but also wholesale and on the web for individuals who desire a great tasting cup of coffee. After all, Café Don Pablo uses only the largest and most desirable award winning Arabica beans, grown in the lush mountainous terrain that is nutrient rich volcanic soil; and the special beans are slow roasted in small batches to ensure optimum flavor and freshness.  His research has shown that coffee connoisseurs appreciate great coffee and can taste the difference.

Darron Burke first met Certified Business Analyst (CBA) Gary Cole at the Small Business Development Center in Broward in April 2007 as he was seeking assistance with a business plan and long term planning. At the time, he was looking for expansion capital from either a lender or an investor; and he was poised to expand by opening additional roasting facilities in other states. Burke says of his SBDC experience, ”We had a great experience with Gary Cole at the SBDC in Broward. Gary was very capable and helped us with our sales projections and the completion our business plan. We obtained financing and, as a result, we now run a very successful company.”

Learn more about Cafe Don Pablo at www.cafedonpablo.com.

The Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network of 35 centers, is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. For over 30 years, the FSBDCN has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses, and economic prosperity for the state. To learn more about the FSBDCN or to find an SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232.

State Director's Office l 401 E Chase St, Ste 100 l Pensacola, FL 32502
866.737.7232 or 850.473.7800 l www.FloridaSBDC.org