What started as a friend’s side hustle has brewed into a full-fledged coffee operation now known as Gene’s Beans Coffee — a locally roasted brand headquartered inside Gene’s Health Food store.
The brand was born after Andrew Keller and his team — including his sister Karissa Costello and Olivia Vance — purchased the existing Big Turkey Foot Coffee from Ian Clark, a friend who started the venture in 2019 before shifting career paths to become a physician assistant.
“When he was ready to sell, he approached us, and we bought it,” Keller said. “That’s where Gene’s Beans comes from.”
The business operates in the back of Gene’s Health Food, which Keller and his family also own. From there, they roast, package, and sell coffee under the Gene’s Beans label — offering a variety of single-origin roasts sourced ethically from women-led farms in places like Ethiopia, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.
“We try to do our best to source the beans responsibly,” Keller said. “Some of them are certified organic, and even the ones that aren’t often come from farms that simply can’t afford the certification.”
Gene’s Beans produces both whole bean and ground coffee in 12-ounce and 5-pound bags. Orders can be made online at genesbeans.com or purchased at the store. Customers can even request a grind to suit their brewing method — drip, espresso, or cold brew.
Coffee lovers around the region can also find Gene’s Beans at a growing number of local spots, including Great Harvest, Niko’s Bakery, Biscuit House, Sunny Daze, Lizzie’s Diner, and Gary’s Diner.
The menu includes light, medium, and dark roasts — each with unique names and backstories. The “Venture Fuel” is a light roast from the Dominican Republic. That same bean is roasted darker for “Firehouse Roast,” a nod to Clark’s time as a firefighter. Other offerings include “Rough River Blend,” a medium roast Honduran bean, and a dark Brazilian roast served at Gary’s Diner.
While Keller said he’s always loved coffee, taking over the business has deepened his appreciation for the craft.
“It’s kind of like cooking, but more like baking in a skillet,” he said of the roasting process. “You put it in, let it rotate, and adjust things like time, temperature, and airflow as you go. There’s a real science to it.”
Gene’s Beans is a Kentucky Proud-certified brand, and Keller hopes to continue expanding its reach.
“We’d love to see it on more shelves, in more restaurants, and in more households around Owensboro,” he said. “If you haven’t tried freshly roasted coffee, you really should.”
