Patrick Mahomes, the talented quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, has transformed his fondness for coffee into an ambitious business project. In 2017, during his rookie season, Mahomes discovered the need for caffeine to stay focused during the long study sessions of coach Andy Reid. This personal experience led him to partner with Michael Fedele, a veteran of the beverage industry, to launch Throne Sport Coffee, a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee.
From the Court to the Beverage Industry
Mahomes, recognized for his success on the field, views the business world as a competition similar to that of sports. Inspired by the trajectories of athletes like LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Mahomes seeks to replicate sporting success in the business arena. The beverage industry, however, is a competitive field, with numerous brands vying for consumer attention. To stand out, Mahomes focuses on offering a unique and quality product.Mahomes’ coffee is distinguished by being low in calories and sugar, using natural caffeine, flavors and sweeteners, B vitamins and branched-chain amino acids. This focus on health and performance reflects his commitment to well-being and his experience as a high-performance athlete.“I’ve always been really interested in what I put in my body, and coffee has been a big part of that. So when Fedele came to me with Throne Sport Coffee… it was like a match made in heaven.”
Patrick Mahomes
A Growing Business
Mahomes is not just the face of the brand; he is actively involved in every aspect of the business. He participates in product formulation, tests and gives his opinion on the flavor and its impact on his performance. His commitment extends to the growth strategy of Throne Sport Coffee.In a recent event in Kansas City, Mahomes met with retail executives to present his cold brew coffee. His presence generated enthusiasm among the attendees, who highlighted his passion and knowledge of the product. Anna Stoermer, from Hy-Vee, commented on Mahomes’ authenticity and his involvement in the product. Joe Haus, from QuikTrip, highlighted the player’s dedication as an ambassador for his brand.Mahomes’ strategy seems to be working. Throne Sport Coffee has experienced significant growth, expanding from 3,500 to 6,500 stores across 25 states, and recently launched nationally in Whole Foods Market.Mahomes, who is also a minority owner of three professional teams, sees this project as an important step towards his post-sports career future. His goal is to make Throne Sport Coffee his main occupation once he hangs up his helmet.
