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RAPID CITY, SD — Few and far between are the businesses that make it to the thirty year mark. Fewer even can trace back a legacy rooted in the spirit of local enterprise and quality product. For that, Dark Canyon Coffee’s history is different. Their story has been shaped by the merging of like-minded entrepreneurs, a shared love of the Black Hills and a steady expansion that has carried its products across the country and beyond.

Co-owners Greg Johnson, Lori Lang and Dave Ziebarth recently spoke about Dark Canyon Coffee’s origins, growth and daily operations as they prepare to celebrate 30 years in business.

The Merging of Minds

Dark Canyon Coffee began as two separate businesses that frequently crossed paths. Lang and her brother-in-law, Ziebarth, operated a roasting business, while Johnson ran an equipment company nearby.

The company’s name comes from the Rapid City neighborhood where Lang lived at the time.

Encouraged by their mutual love of coffee and a growing coffee scene regionally and nationwide, the three eventually combined operations. 

“One day I called these guys,” Lang said. “And geez, six months later we were Dark Canyon Coffee. That’s when it really took off, when we merged the two companies.”

Wholesale Focus, Small Town Approach

From its inception, Dark Canyon focused on wholesale roasting and distribution while maintaining a small-town approach. The trio’s expertise with a shared love of coffee made for a well-balanced ownership approach. Johnson’s experience with roasting equipment sales and maintenance blended with Lang and Ziebarth’s focus on roasting and distribution. 

The company now supplies home drinkers, coffee shops, restaurants and specialty stores. Offerings include flavored coffees, teas, frappe and smoothie mixes, flavorings and espresso equipment. The company also provides equipment service, repair and training.

“We designed ourselves to be a one-stop shop for the coffee house, the gourmet store, the restaurant,” Johnson said.

Daily Roasting

Dark Canyon’s roasting capacity has expanded significantly over the years. The company began roasting small portions at a time, later increasing to 50 pounds before upgrading equipment and facilities once more.

Today, Dark Canyon operates two roasters capable of handling 80 pounds each, producing up to 160 pounds every 15 to 20 minutes.

Ziebarth oversees roasting and said the process requires precision, as each type of bean reacts differently to heat.

“Each bean takes its own path to finishing,” he said. “There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning. We pretty much have it dialed in now.”

Orders are roasted and shipped the same day. Local deliveries are made weekly and shipments across the country and even the globe leave daily.

Regional Freshness, National Reach

Dark Canyon distributes coffee throughout the contiguous United States and has shipped internationally, including to Antarctica.

For local customers, the company emphasizes freshness. Coffee sold in the Black Hills is often roasted within days of purchase.

“It’s never old,” Ziebarth said. “It doesn’t have to be shipped anywhere in Rapid City.”

Popular blends include “Highlander Grog,” “My Girlfriend’s Blend,” “Fireside Favourite,” “Black Hills Gold” and “Dakota Roast,” among others.

Steady Growth

Dark Canyon Coffee’s longevity, according to its co-owners, is attributed to consistency rather than major changes merely for the sake of growing. This consistency, they claim, is key.

“It’s been steady growth,” Lang said. “No real peaks and valleys. Slow, steady growth uphill.”

Over three decades, Dark Canyon Coffee has focused on maintaining a clear brand identity and prioritizing customer service.

“Knowing who your brand is and what your brand is and to whom you’re serving that, that’s more than anything else,” Johnson said.

Many customers have worked with and supported Dark Canyon for the full 30 years, with much of the company’s growth driven by word of mouth.

30th Anniversary Celebration

Dark Canyon Coffee will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a public open house May 8 at its East Boulevard location.

The event begins with a ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. with Elevate Rapid City. The business will host demonstrations throughout the day covering espresso drinks, teas, cold brew, French press and drip coffee.

A following private event for vendors, customers and partners will include food, music, giveaways and discounts.

For more information about Dark Canyon Coffee and their 30th anniversary celebration, please visit dark-canyon-coffee.com.