As floodwaters devastated Kerr County, Texas, in July 2025, Merit Coffee didn’t just serve coffee—it brewed hope. The San Antonio-based chain donated 100% of its July 12 sales to flood relief, raising $30,000 for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. It marked their busiest day in 16 years, turning lattes into lifelines. The effort showcased community resilience, proving businesses could drive disaster recovery through simple, collective action. The catastrophe began on July 4, when torrential rains overwhelmed riverbanks and turned streets into raging currents.
The flood struck in early July, killing 119 people and leaving 160 missing. Homes collapsed, roads vanished, and survivors scrambled for basic needs. Within days, Merit Coffee announced its fundraiser, rallying customers across its 13 Texas locations. CEO Bill Ellis called it a “no-brainer,” stressing businesses must unite communities during crises. Regulars and newcomers lined up, buying record amounts of coffee and merch. Many paid extra, knowing every cent helped neighbors in Kerr County.
After floods killed 119, Merit Coffee rallied Texans: “Businesses must unite communities in crisis,” said CEO Ellis, driving record sales for Kerr County relief.
The $30,000 donation tackled urgent needs: emergency housing, food, and supplies. It also funded long-term rebuilding, like repairing roads and homes. The money went straight to the Kerr County Flood Relief Emergency Fund, which coordinated aid with local groups. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country established a secure online donation portal for ongoing contributions to support recovery efforts. Other businesses pitched in too. Simpson Strong-Tie matched Merit’s $30,000, while spots like Out of the Way Café collected clothes and toiletries. Together, these efforts eased the burden on overwhelmed disaster teams.
Merit’s campaign proved small actions spark big change. Customers didn’t just buy coffee—they joined a movement. The event highlighted how local businesses can lead during disasters, bridging gaps until government aid arrives. It also kept attention on Kerr County’s struggles weeks after national headlines faded. For Ellis, this was core to Merit’s mission since its 2009 founding: serving communities as fiercely as it serves espresso.
Days later, photos showed volunteers unloading supplies funded by coffee sales. Survivors hugged each other outside temporary shelters. The flood had stolen homes, but not hope. As one customer said, “That cup of coffee tasted like doing something real.” In Texas, that something meant everything.
